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Zhu H, Zhu D, Wu K, He W, Li L, Li T, Liu L, Liu Z, Song X, Cheng W, Mo J, Yao Y, Li J. Establishment and evaluation of a qPCR method for the detection of pfmdr1 mutations in Plasmodium falciparum, the causal agent of fatal malaria. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 110:116400. [PMID: 38909426 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Drug resistance surveillance is a major integral part of malaria control programs. Molecular methods play a pivotal role in drug resistance detection and related molecular research. This study aimed to develop a rapid and accurate detection method for drug resistance of Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum). A quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay has been developed that identifies the mutation at locus A256T in the P.falciparum multi-drug resistance(pfmdr1) gene producing amino acid change at position 86. The results of 198 samples detected by qPCR were consistent with nested PCR and sequencing, giving an accuracy of 94.3%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of qPCR were 85.7%, 97.6%, 90.0% and 96.4%, respectively. The results of qPCR are basically consistent with the nested PCR, which is expected to replace the nested PCR as a new molecular biological method for drug resistance detection, providing reliable technical support for global malaria prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyin Zhu
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, PR China; Department of Pediatrics, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, PR China
| | - Daiqian Zhu
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, PR China
| | - Kai Wu
- Wuhan Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, Wuhan 430024, PR China
| | - Wei He
- Jiangnan University, Wuxi 442000, PR China
| | - Liugen Li
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, PR China
| | - Tongfei Li
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, PR China
| | - Long Liu
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, PR China
| | - Zhixin Liu
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, PR China
| | - Xiaonan Song
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, PR China
| | - Weijia Cheng
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, PR China
| | - Jinyu Mo
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, PR China
| | - Yi Yao
- Department of Pediatrics, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, PR China
| | - Jian Li
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, PR China.
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Cáceres Carrera L, Santamaría AM, Castillo AM, Romero L, Urriola E, Torres-Cosme R, Calzada JE. Detection through the use of RT-MqPCR of asymptomatic reservoirs of malaria in samples of patients from the indigenous Comarca of Guna Yala, Panama: Essential method to achieve the elimination of malaria. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305558. [PMID: 39046959 PMCID: PMC11268588 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium vivax is the main causative agent of malaria in Panama. However, the prevalence of asymptomatic infections in the different endemic regions remains unknown. Understanding the epidemiological behavior of asymptomatic infections is essential for the elimination of malaria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic malarial infections in one of the main endemic regions of Panama using multiplex real-time reverse transcription RT-MqPCR. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in three communities in the Guna Yala Comarca. A total of 551 thick blood smears and their respective samples on filter paper were collected from volunteers of different ages and sexes from June 20 to 25, 2016. Infections by the Plasmodium spp. were diagnosed using microscopy and RT-MqPCR. All statistical analyses were performed using the R software. RESULTS The average prevalence of asymptomatic infections by P. vivax in the three communities detected by RT-MqPCR was 9.3%, with Ukupa having the highest prevalence (13.4%), followed by Aidirgandi (11.1%) and Irgandi (3.3%). A total of 74 samples were diagnosed as asymptomatic infections using RT-MqPCR. Light microscopy (LM) detected that 17.6% (13/74) of the asymptomatic samples and 82.4% (61/74) were diagnosed as false negatives. A 100% correlation was observed between samples diagnosed using LM and RT-MqPCR. A total of 52.7% (39/74) of the asymptomatic patients were female and 85.1% (63/74) were registered between the ages of 1 and 21 years. Factors associated with asymptomatic infection were community (aOR = 0.38 (95% CI 0.17-0.83), p < 0.001) and age aOR = 0.98 (95% CI 0.97-1.00), p < 0.05); F = 5.38; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study provides novel evidence of the considerable prevalence of asymptomatic P. vivax infections in the endemic region of Kuna Yala, representing a new challenge that requires immediate attention from the National Malaria Program. The results of this study provide essential information for the health authorities responsible for developing new policies. Furthermore, it will allow program administrators to reorient and design effective malaria control strategies that consider asymptomatic infections as a fundamental part of malaria control and move towards fulfilling their commitment to eliminate it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Cáceres Carrera
- Departmento de Entomología Médica del Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | - Ana María Santamaría
- Departmento de Parasitología del Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | - Anakena Margarita Castillo
- Departmento de Entomología Médica del Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | - Luis Romero
- Laboratorio Central de Referencia en Salud Pública del Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | - Eduardo Urriola
- Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Latina de Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | - Rolando Torres-Cosme
- Departmento de Entomología Médica del Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | - José Eduardo Calzada
- Departmento de Parasitología del Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
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Schneider R, Lamien-Meda A, Auer H, Wiedermann-Schmidt U, Chiodini PL, Walochnik J. A Rapid FRET Real-Time PCR Protocol for Simultaneous Quantitative Detection and Discrimination of Human Plasmodium Parasites. Bio Protoc 2022; 12:e4381. [PMID: 35530518 PMCID: PMC9018429 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is the most important parasitic disease worldwide, and accurate diagnosis and treatment without delay are essential for reducing morbidity and mortality, especially in P. falciparum malaria. Real-time PCR is highly sensitive and highly specific, therefore an excellent diagnostic tool for laboratory detection and species-specific diagnosis of malaria, especially in non-endemic regions where experience in microscopic malaria diagnostics is limited. In contrast to many other real-time PCR protocols, our new fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based real-time PCR (FRET-qPCR) allows the quantitative and species-specific detection of all human Plasmodium spp. in one run. Species identification is based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the MalFL probe, detectable by melting curve analysis. A significant advantage of our FRET-qPCR is the short turn-around time of less than two hours, including DNA extraction, which qualifies it for routine diagnostics. Rapid and reliable species-specific malaria diagnosis is important, because treatment is species-dependent. Apart from first-line diagnosis, the quantitative results of our new FRET-qPCR can be helpful in therapy control, to detect early treatment failure. Graphic abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renate Schneider
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Aline Lamien-Meda
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Auer
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Wiedermann-Schmidt
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
,
*For correspondence:
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Gimenez AM, Marques RF, Regiart M, Bargieri DY. Diagnostic Methods for Non-Falciparum Malaria. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:681063. [PMID: 34222049 PMCID: PMC8248680 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.681063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a serious public health problem that affects mostly the poorest countries in the world, killing more than 400,000 people per year, mainly children under 5 years old. Among the control and prevention strategies, the differential diagnosis of the Plasmodium-infecting species is an important factor for selecting a treatment and, consequently, for preventing the spread of the disease. One of the main difficulties for the detection of a specific Plasmodium sp is that most of the existing methods for malaria diagnosis focus on detecting P. falciparum. Thus, in many cases, the diagnostic methods neglect the other non-falciparum species and underestimate their prevalence and severity. Traditional methods for diagnosing malaria may present low specificity or sensitivity to non-falciparum spp. Therefore, there is high demand for new alternative methods able to differentiate Plasmodium species in a faster, cheaper and easier manner to execute. This review details the classical procedures and new perspectives of diagnostic methods for malaria non-falciparum differential detection and the possibilities of their application in different circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Marina Gimenez
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo F. Marques
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Matías Regiart
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel Youssef Bargieri
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Schneider R, Lamien-Meda A, Auer H, Wiedermann-Schmidt U, Chiodini PL, Walochnik J. Validation of a novel FRET real-time PCR assay for simultaneous quantitative detection and discrimination of human Plasmodium parasites. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252887. [PMID: 34086817 PMCID: PMC8177637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing numbers of travelers returning from endemic areas, migrants, and refugees have led to a significant rise in the number of imported malaria cases in non-endemic countries. Real- time PCR serves as an excellent diagnostic tool, especially in regions where experience in microscopy is limited. A novel fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based real-time PCR (FRET-qPCR) was developed and evaluated using 56 reference samples of the United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Service (UK NEQAS) for molecular detection of malaria, including P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi. Species identification is based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the genome where the MalLC640 probe binds, lowering the melting temperature in the melting curve analysis. The novel FRET-qPCR achieved 100% (n = 56) correct results, compared to 96.43% performing nested PCR. The high sensitivity, with a calculated limit of detection of 199.97 parasites/mL blood for P. falciparum, is a significant advantage, especially if low-level parasitemia has to be ruled out. Even mixed infections of P. falciparum with P. vivax or P. ovale, respectively, were detected. In contrast to many other real-time PCR protocols, this novel FRET-qPCR allows the quantitative and species-specific detection of Plasmodium spp. in one single run. Solely, P. knowlesi was detected but could not be differentiated from P. vivax. The turnaround time of this novel FRET-qPCR including DNA extraction is less than two hours, qualifying it for routine clinical applications, including treatment monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renate Schneider
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aline Lamien-Meda
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Auer
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Wiedermann-Schmidt
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter L. Chiodini
- UK NEQAS Parasitology, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
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Varo R, Balanza N, Mayor A, Bassat Q. Diagnosis of clinical malaria in endemic settings. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 19:79-92. [PMID: 32772759 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1807940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malaria continues to be a major global health problem, with over 228 million cases and 405,000 deaths estimated to occur annually. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of malaria is essential to decrease the burden and impact of this disease, particularly in children. We aimed to review the main available techniques for the diagnosis of clinical malaria in endemic settings and explore possible future options to improve its rapid recognition. AREAS COVERED literature relevant to malaria diagnosis was identified through electronic searches in Pubmed, with no language or date restrictions and limited to humans. EXPERT OPINION Light microscopy is still considered the gold standard method for malaria diagnosis and continues to be at the frontline of malaria diagnosis. However, technologies as rapid diagnostic tests, mainly those who detect histidine-rich protein-2, offer an accurate, rapid and affordable alternative for malaria diagnosis in endemic areas. They are now the technique most extended in endemic areas for parasitological confirmation. In these settings, PCR-based assays are usually restricted to research and they are not currently helpful in the management of clinical malaria. Other technologies, such as isothermal methods could be an interesting and alternative approach to PCR in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosauro Varo
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat De Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain.,Centro De Investigação Em Saúde De Manhiça (CISM) , Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Núria Balanza
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat De Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alfredo Mayor
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat De Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain.,Centro De Investigação Em Saúde De Manhiça (CISM) , Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Quique Bassat
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat De Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain.,Centro De Investigação Em Saúde De Manhiça (CISM) , Maputo, Mozambique.,ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23 , Barcelona, Spain.,Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Pediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan De Deu (University of Barcelona) , Barcelona, Spain.,Consorcio De Investigación Biomédica En Red De Epidemiología Y Salud Publica (CIBERESP) , Madrid, Spain
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Frickmann H, Wegner C, Ruben S, Behrens C, Kollenda H, Hinz R, Rojak S, Schwarz NG, Hagen RM, Tannich E. Evaluation of the multiplex real-time PCR assays RealStar malaria S&T PCR kit 1.0 and FTD malaria differentiation for the differentiation of Plasmodium species in clinical samples. Travel Med Infect Dis 2019; 31:101442. [PMID: 31255712 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2019.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two commercial PCR assays were assessed in a retrospective study to determine their reliability as tools for the differentiation of Plasmodium species in human blood. METHODS A total of 1022 blood samples from 817 patients with suspected or confirmed malaria submitted to the German National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens were subjected to malaria microscopy using thick and thin blood films as well as to a genus-specific malaria real-time PCR. Parasite-positive samples were analysed by RealStar Malaria S&T PCR Kit 1.0 (altona Diagnostics) and FTD Malaria Differentiation (Fast Track Diagnostics) multiplex real-time PCR assays targeting species-specific Plasmodium DNA. RESULTS Out of the 1022 blood samples, 247 (24.2%) tested positive for Plasmodium spp. The two multiplex assays showed rather similar performance characteristics and provided concordant species information in 98.9% of samples positive by malaria microscopy and in 95.1% (RealStar) and 96.8% (FTD) of samples positive by genus-specific PCR. Compared to FTD, RealStar revealed slightly reduced sensitivity for submicroscopic, low-level P. falciparum infections, while FTD was unable to detect P. knowlesi. CONCLUSIONS The two commercial malaria PCR assays assessed are suitable for discriminating Plasmodium species in clinical samples, and can provide additional information in cases of microscopically uncertain findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagen Frickmann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Tropical Microbiology and Entomology Unit, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Christine Wegner
- National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Ruben
- National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Behrens
- National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans Kollenda
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Tropical Microbiology and Entomology Unit, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rebecca Hinz
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Tropical Microbiology and Entomology Unit, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Rojak
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Tropical Microbiology and Entomology Unit, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Norbert G Schwarz
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Matthias Hagen
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Bundeswehr Medical Academy, Munich, Germany
| | - Egbert Tannich
- National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
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Yin J, Li M, Yan H, Zhou S. Considerations on PCR-based methods for malaria diagnosis in China malaria diagnosis reference laboratory network. Biosci Trends 2019; 12:510-514. [PMID: 30473560 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2018.01198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Precise diagnosis is a key measurement for malaria control and elimination, traditional microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests cannot satisfy the requirements especially in the low transmission endemic areas or in the malaria elimination phase. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with high sensitivity and specificity can be considered as a diagnostic standard while no uniform PCR assay was established due to variations in their performance and lack of formal external quality assurance programs for validation for PCR assays in use. Here, 24 articles including 43 paired comparative evaluations limited to paired comparison of diagnostic performance between real-time PCR and conventional PCR to detect plasmodium in blood samples of human subjects from clinics or the field are systematically summarized. And according to the Landis and Koch classification, nineteen pairs showed almost perfect agreement, followed by 8 pairs of moderate agreement and 4 pairs of good agreement, while the kappa values of 12 pairs couldn't be examined. Moreover, the performance of 14 pairs were completely the same and 8 pairs had no differences, but 14 pairs were significant different including 8 pairs of real-time PCR with better performance than conventional PCR. Therefore, it is still an outstanding issue to choose PCR methods, and more work such as the standardization of materials and methods in use and their availability are needed to settle priority to better promote the role of malaria diagnosis reference laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhai Yin
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health
| | - Mei Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health
| | - He Yan
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health
| | - Shuisen Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health
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Saito T, Kikuchi A, Kaneko A, Isozumi R, Teramoto I, Kimura M, Hirasawa N, Hiratsuka M. Rapid and sensitive multiplex single-tube nested PCR for the identification of five human Plasmodium species. Parasitol Int 2018; 67:277-283. [PMID: 29374580 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is caused by five species of Plasmodium in humans. Microscopy is currently used for pathogen detection, requiring considerable training and technical expertise as the parasites are often difficult to differentiate morphologically. Rapid diagnostic tests are as reliable as microscopy and offer faster diagnoses but possess lower detection limits and are incapable of distinguishing among the parasitic species. To improve global health efforts towards malaria control, a rapid, sensitive, species-specific, and economically viable diagnostic method is needed. In this study, we designed a malaria diagnostic method involving a multiplex single-tube nested PCR targeting Plasmodium mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase III and single-stranded tag hybridization chromatographic printed-array strip. The detection sensitivity was found to be at least 40 times higher than that of agarose gel electrophoresis with ethidium bromide. This system also enables the identification of both single- and mixed-species malaria infections. The assay was validated with 152 Kenyan samples; using nested PCR as the standard, the assay's sensitivity and specificity were 88.7% and 100.0%, respectively. The turnaround time required, from PCR preparation to signal detection, is 90min. Our method should improve the diagnostic speed, treatment efficacy, and control of malaria, in addition to facilitating surveillance within global malaria eradication programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Saito
- Laboratory of Pharmacotherapy of Life-Style Related Diseases, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Aoi Kikuchi
- Laboratory of Pharmacotherapy of Life-Style Related Diseases, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Akira Kaneko
- Department of Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, 1-4-3, Asahi-machi, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Rie Isozumi
- Department of Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, 1-4-3, Asahi-machi, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Isao Teramoto
- Department of Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, 1-4-3, Asahi-machi, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Kimura
- Radioisotope Centre, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, 1-4-3, Asahi-machi, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Noriyasu Hirasawa
- Laboratory of Pharmacotherapy of Life-Style Related Diseases, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Masahiro Hiratsuka
- Laboratory of Pharmacotherapy of Life-Style Related Diseases, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
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Chua KH, Lim SC, Ng CC, Lee PC, Lim YAL, Lau TP, Chai HC. Development of High Resolution Melting Analysis for the Diagnosis of Human Malaria. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15671. [PMID: 26507008 PMCID: PMC4623528 DOI: 10.1038/srep15671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular detection has overcome limitations of microscopic examination by providing greater sensitivity and specificity in Plasmodium species detection. The objective of the present study was to develop a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction coupled with high-resolution melting (qRT-PCR-HRM) assay for rapid, accurate and simultaneous detection of all five human Plasmodium spp. A pair of primers targeted the 18S SSU rRNA gene of the Plasmodium spp. was designed for qRT-PCR-HRM assay development. Analytical sensitivity and specificity of the assay were evaluated. Samples collected from 229 malaria suspected patients recruited from Sabah, Malaysia were screened using the assay and results were compared with data obtained using PlasmoNex(TM), a hexaplex PCR system. The qRT-PCR-HRM assay was able to detect and discriminate the five Plasmodium spp. with lowest detection limits of 1-100 copy numbers without nonspecific amplifications. The detection of Plasmodium spp. in clinical samples using this assay also achieved 100% concordance with that obtained using PlasmoNex(TM). This indicated that the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of this assay in Plasmodium spp. detection is comparable with those of PlasmoNex(TM). The qRT-PCR-HRM assay is simple, produces results in two hours and enables high-throughput screening. Thus, it is an alternative method for rapid and accurate malaria diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kek Heng Chua
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siew Chee Lim
- Institutue of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ching Ching Ng
- Institutue of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ping Chin Lee
- School of Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Yvonne Ai Lian Lim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tze Pheng Lau
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hwa Chia Chai
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Chaponda EB, Chandramohan D, Michelo C, Mharakurwa S, Chipeta J, Chico RM. High burden of malaria infection in pregnant women in a rural district of Zambia: a cross-sectional study. Malar J 2015; 14:380. [PMID: 26423819 PMCID: PMC4590700 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0866-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria continues to be a major health problem in low-income countries. Consequently, malaria control remains a public health priority in endemic countries such as Zambia. Pregnant women and children under 5 years of age are among groups at high risk of malaria infection. Malaria infection is associated with adverse birth outcomes that affect the mother, foetus, and infant. Infection with HIV has been shown to increase the risk of malaria infection in pregnancy. The prevalence and the predictors of malaria infection among pregnant women resident in the Nchelenge District of northern Zambia were investigated. METHODS Between November 2013 and April 2014, pregnant women in the catchment areas of two health centres were recruited during their first antenatal care visit. HIV testing was conducted as part of routine care. In addition, blood samples were collected from 1086 participants and tested for malaria infection using standard microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques specific for Plasmodium falciparum. Multivariate logistic regression were conducted to examine the predictors of malaria infection. RESULTS The prevalence of malaria identified by microscopy was 31.8 % (95 % confidence intervals [CI], 29.0-34.5; N = 1079) and by PCR was 57.8 % (95 % CI, 54.9-60.8; N = 1074). HIV infection was 13.2 % among women on their first antenatal visit; the prevalence of malaria detected by PCR among HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected women was 56.7 % (531/936) and 65.2 % (90/138), respectively. In the final model, the risk of malaria infection was 81 % higher among pregnant women recruited from Nchelenge health centre compared to those attending the Kashikishi health centre (adjusted odds ratio = 1.81; 95 % CI, 1.38-2.37, P < 0.001), and HIV-infected women across health centres had a 46 % greater risk of malaria infection compared to HIV-uninfected women (adjusted odds ratio = 1.46; 95 %, 1.00-2.13, P = 0.045). CONCLUSION High burden of malaria detected by PCR in these pregnant women suggests that past prevention efforts have had limited effect. To reduce this burden of malaria sustainably, there is clear need to strengthen existing interventions and, possibly, to change approaches so as to improve targeting of groups most affected by malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enesia Banda Chaponda
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia. .,Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Daniel Chandramohan
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Charles Michelo
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Sungano Mharakurwa
- Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe. .,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA.
| | - James Chipeta
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Zambia School of Medicine, P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - R Matthew Chico
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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Lo E, Zhou G, Oo W, Afrane Y, Githeko A, Yan G. Low parasitemia in submicroscopic infections significantly impacts malaria diagnostic sensitivity in the highlands of Western Kenya. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121763. [PMID: 25816298 PMCID: PMC4376713 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Asymptomatic malaria infections represent a major challenge in malaria control and elimination in Africa. They are reservoirs of malaria parasite that can contribute to disease transmission. Therefore, identification and control of asymptomatic infections are important to make malaria elimination feasible. In this study, we investigated the extent and distribution of asymptomatic malaria in Western Kenya and examined how varying parasitemia affects performance of diagnostic methods including microscopy, conventional PCR, and quantitative PCR. In addition, we compared parasite prevalence rates and parasitemia levels with respect to topography and age in order to explore factors that influence malaria infection. Over 11,000 asymptomatic blood samples from children and adolescents up to 18 years old representing broad areas of Western Kenya were included. Quantitative PCR revealed the highest parasite positive rate among all methods and malaria prevalence in western Kenya varied widely from less than 1% to over 50%. A significantly lower parasitemia was detected in highland than in lowland samples and this contrast was also observed primarily among submicroscopic samples. Although we found no correlation between parasitemia level and age, individuals of younger age group (aged <14) showed significantly higher parasite prevalence. In the lowlands, individuals of aged 5–14 showed significantly higher prevalence than those under age 5. Our findings highlight the need for a more sensitive and time-efficient assay for asymptomatic malaria detection particularly in areas of low-transmission. Combining QPCR with microscopy can enhance the capacity of detecting submicroscopic asymptomatic malaria infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Lo
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, United States of America
| | - Guofa Zhou
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, United States of America
| | - Winny Oo
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, United States of America
| | - Yaw Afrane
- Centre for Vector Biology and Control Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya
| | - Andrew Githeko
- Centre for Vector Biology and Control Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abba K, Kirkham AJ, Olliaro PL, Deeks JJ, Donegan S, Garner P, Takwoingi Y. Rapid diagnostic tests for diagnosing uncomplicated non-falciparum or Plasmodium vivax malaria in endemic countries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014; 2014:CD011431. [PMID: 25519857 PMCID: PMC4453861 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In settings where both Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum infection cause malaria, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) need to distinguish which species is causing the patients' symptoms, as different treatments are required. Older RDTs incorporated two test lines to distinguish malaria due to P. falciparum, from malaria due to any other Plasmodium species (non-falciparum). These RDTs can be classified according to which antibodies they use: Type 2 RDTs use HRP-2 (for P. falciparum) and aldolase (all species); Type 3 RDTs use HRP-2 (for P. falciparum) and pLDH (all species); Type 4 use pLDH (fromP. falciparum) and pLDH (all species).More recently, RDTs have been developed to distinguish P. vivax parasitaemia by utilizing a pLDH antibody specific to P. vivax. OBJECTIVES To assess the diagnostic accuracy of RDTs for detecting non-falciparum or P. vivax parasitaemia in people living in malaria-endemic areas who present to ambulatory healthcare facilities with symptoms suggestive of malaria, and to identify which types and brands of commercial test best detect non-falciparum and P. vivax malaria. SEARCH METHODS We undertook a comprehensive search of the following databases up to 31 December 2013: Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register; MEDLINE; EMBASE; MEDION; Science Citation Index; Web of Knowledge; African Index Medicus; LILACS; and IndMED. SELECTION CRITERIA Studies comparing RDTs with a reference standard (microscopy or polymerase chain reaction) in blood samples from a random or consecutive series of patients attending ambulatory health facilities with symptoms suggestive of malaria in non-falciparum endemic areas. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS For each study, two review authors independently extracted a standard set of data using a tailored data extraction form. We grouped comparisons by type of RDT (defined by the combinations of antibodies used), and combined in meta-analysis where appropriate. Average sensitivities and specificities are presented alongside 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). MAIN RESULTS We included 47 studies enrolling 22,862 participants. Patient characteristics, sampling methods and reference standard methods were poorly reported in most studies. RDTs detecting 'non-falciparum' parasitaemiaEleven studies evaluated Type 2 tests compared with microscopy, 25 evaluated Type 3 tests, and 11 evaluated Type 4 tests. In meta-analyses, average sensitivities and specificities were 78% (95% CI 73% to 82%) and 99% (95% CI 97% to 99%) for Type 2 tests, 78% (95% CI 69% to 84%) and 99% (95% CI 98% to 99%) for Type 3 tests, and 89% (95% CI 79% to 95%) and 98% (95% CI 97% to 99%) for Type 4 tests, respectively. Type 4 tests were more sensitive than both Type 2 (P = 0.01) and Type 3 tests (P = 0.03).Five studies compared Type 3 tests with PCR; in meta-analysis, the average sensitivity and specificity were 81% (95% CI 72% to 88%) and 99% (95% CI 97% to 99%) respectively. RDTs detecting P.vivax parasitaemiaEight studies compared pLDH tests to microscopy; the average sensitivity and specificity were 95% (95% CI 86% to 99%) and 99% (95% CI 99% to 100%), respectively. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS RDTs designed to detect P. vivax specifically, whether alone or as part of a mixed infection, appear to be more accurate than older tests designed to distinguish P. falciparum malaria from non-falciparum malaria. Compared to microscopy, these tests fail to detect around 5% ofP. vivax cases. This Cochrane Review, in combination with other published information about in vitro test performance and stability in the field, can assist policy-makers to choose between the available RDTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Abba
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, UK.
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Boggild A, Brophy J, Charlebois P, Crockett M, Geduld J, Ghesquiere W, McDonald P, Plourde P, Teitelbaum P, Tepper M, Schofield S, McCarthy A. Summary of recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of malaria by the Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel (CATMAT). CANADA COMMUNICABLE DISEASE REPORT = RELEVE DES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES AU CANADA 2014; 40:133-143. [PMID: 29769894 PMCID: PMC5864436 DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v40i07a02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND On behalf of the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel (CATMAT) developed the Canadian Recommendations for the Prevention and Treatment of Malaria Among International Travellers for Canadian health care providers who are preparing patients for travel to malaria-endemic areas and treating travellers who have returned ill. These recommendations aim to achieve appropriate diagnosis and management of malaria, a disease that is still uncommon in Canada. OBJECTIVE To provide recommendations on the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of malaria. METHODS CATMAT reviewed all major sources of information on malaria diagnosis and treatment, as well as recent research and national and international epidemiological data, to tailor guidelines to the Canadian context. The evidence-based medicine recommendations were developed with associated rating scales for the strength and quality of the evidence. RECOMMENDATIONS Malarial management depends on rapid identification of the disease, as well as identification of the malaria species and level of parasitemia. Microscopic identification of blood samples is both rapid and accurate but can be done only by trained laboratory technicians. Rapid diagnostic tests are widely available, are simple to use and do not require specialized laboratory equipment or training; however, they do not provide the level of parasitemia and do require verification. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), although still limited in availability, is emerging as the gold standard for high sensitivity and specificity in identifying the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Boggild
- University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital (Toronto, ON)
| | - J Brophy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (Ottawa, ON)
| | - P Charlebois
- Internal Medicine, Canadian Forces Health Services Centre (Atlantic) (Halifax, NS)
| | - M Crockett
- Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, MB)
| | - J Geduld
- Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada (Ottawa, ON)
| | - W Ghesquiere
- Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine, University of British Columbia (Victoria, BC)
| | - P McDonald
- Therapeutic Products Directorate, Health Canada (Ottawa, ON)
| | - P Plourde
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, MB)
| | | | - M Tepper
- Communicable Disease Control Program, Directorate of Force Health Protection (Ottawa, ON)
| | - S Schofield
- Pest Management Entomology, Directorate of Forces Health Protection (Ottawa, ON)
| | - A McCarthy
- Tropical Medicine and International Health Clinic, Division of Infectious Disease, Ottawa Hospital General Campus (Ottawa, ON)
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Abstract
Malaria is a leading cause of mortality worldwide and accurate diagnostic testing for malaria can potentially save an estimated 100,000 lives annually. New technologies have the potential to circumvent limitations of the traditional diagnostic method, light microscopy, which is labor intensive and requires considerable technician expertise. Immunochromatographic tests, which are easy to use in field conditions and relatively inexpensive, offer a potential solution to the problem of malaria overtreatment in resource-poor endemic countries. Assays based on the PCR are highly sensitive, can be used for unambiguous species identification and, thus, may increasingly complement or even replace light microscopy in developed countries. Experimental diagnostics using flow cytometry and mass spectrometry are currently under investigation for high-throughput screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hawkes
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Toronto, MaRS Centre, Toronto Medical Discovery Tower, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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16
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Abstract
A physical method currently being developed for malaria parasite detection and diagnosis in blood is reviewed in this article. The method - direct laser desorption mass spectrometry - is based on the detection of heme (iron protoporphyrin) as a unique qualitative and quantitative molecular biomarker for malaria. In infected erythrocytes, the parasite sequesters heme in a molecular crystal (hemozoin) - a volume of highly concentrated and purified biomarker molecules. Laser desorption mass spectrometry detects only heme from hemozoin in parasite-infected blood, and not heme that is bound to hemoglobin or other proteins in uninfected blood samples. The method requires only a drop of blood with minimal sample preparation. Laser desorption mass spectrometry may become a rapid and high-throughput tool for specific and sensitive pan-malaria detection at levels below 10 parasites/mul of blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Plamen A Demirev
- Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, MS 2-217, Laurel, MD 20723-6099, USA.
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SHAHBAZI A, FARHADI P, YERIAN M, BAZMANI A, NAKHJIRI SKHADEM, RASOULI A, RAEISI A. Detection of Asymptomatic Carriers of Plasmodium vivax among Treated Patients by Nested PCR Method in Minab, Rudan and Bashagard, Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2013; 8:586-92. [PMID: 25516740 PMCID: PMC4266123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium vivax is the most widespread species of Plasmodium in humans and causing about 80 million clinical cases annually. This study was undertaken to detect P. vivax in asymptomatic treated vivax malaria patients to trace latent/sub-patent malaria infection. METHOD The venous blood of all detected cases with P. vivax in Bashagard, Minab and Roodan Districts in Hormozgan Province from 2009 to 2010 was examined by microscopic and nested PCR methods for presence of the parasite. RESULTS In microscopic examination of peripheral blood smears, all samples were negative for the presence of the parasites. But, we detected two P. vivax related bands in the electrophoresis of the nested PCR products (120 bp). CONCLUSION Following up the malaria cases after treatment by a combination of methods, or new diagnostics such as RDTs can be included in the priorities of malaria elimination program in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas SHAHBAZI
- Tabriz Research Center of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Pegah FARHADI
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Masoud YERIAN
- Institute of Public Health Researches, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahad BAZMANI
- Tabriz Research Center of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Arash RASOULI
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahmad RAEISI
- Institute of Public Health Researches, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Disease Management Center, Ministry of Health, Iran,Correspondence
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Multiplex 5' nuclease quantitative real-time PCR for clinical diagnosis of malaria and species-level identification and epidemiologic evaluation of malaria-causing parasites, including Plasmodium knowlesi. J Clin Microbiol 2013; 51:2931-8. [PMID: 23804387 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00958-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular diagnosis of malaria offers many potential advantages over microscopy, including identification of malaria to the species level in an era with few experienced microscopists. We developed high-throughput multiplex 5' nuclease quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays, with the potential to support large studies, to specifically identify Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi. We compared qPCR to microscopy and confirmed discordant results with an alternative target PCR assay. The assays specifically detected 1 to 6 parasites/μl of blood. The clinical sensitivities (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of the 4-plex assay to detect microscopically confirmed malaria were 95.8% (88.3 to 99.1%) for P. falciparum, 89.5% (75.2 to 97.1%) for P. vivax, 94.1% (71.3 to 99.9%) for P. ovale, and 100% (66.4 to 100%) for P. malariae. The specificities (95% CIs) were 98.6% (92.4 to 100%) for P. falciparum, 99% (84.8 to 100%) for P. vivax, 98.4% (94.4 to 99.8%) for P. ovale, and 99.3% (95.9 to 100%) for P. malariae. The clinical specificity for samples without malaria was 100%. The clinical sensitivity of the 5-plex assay for confirmed P. knowlesi malaria was 100% (95% CI, 69.2 to 100%), and the clinical specificity was 100% (95% CI, 87.2 to 100%). Coded retesting and testing with an alternative target PCR assay showed improved sensitivity and specificity of multiplex qPCR versus microscopy. Additionally, 91.7% (11/12) of the samples with uncertain species by microscopy were identified to the species level identically by both our multiplex qPCR assay and the alternative target PCR assay, including 9 P. falciparum infections. Multiplex qPCR can rapidly and simultaneously identify all 5 Plasmodium species known to cause malaria in humans, and it offers an alternative or adjunct to microscopy for clinical diagnosis as well as a needed high-throughput tool for research.
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Ittarat W, Chomean S, Sanchomphu C, Wangmaung N, Promptmas C, Ngrenngarmlert W. Biosensor as a molecular malaria differential diagnosis. Clin Chim Acta 2013; 419:47-51. [PMID: 23391603 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2013.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/26/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In malaria diagnosis, specific gene identification is required in cases with subclinical infection or cases with mixed infection. This study applied the biosensor technology based on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to differentially diagnose the most common and severe malaria, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. METHOD The QCM surface was immobilized with malaria biotinylated probe. Specific DNA fragments of malaria-infected blood were amplified. Hybridization between the amplified products and the immobilized probe resulted in quartz frequency shifts which were measured by an in-house frequency counter. Diagnostic potency and clinical application of the malaria QCM were evaluated. RESULT The malaria QCM could differentially diagnose blood infected with P. falciparum from that infected with P. vivax (p-value<0.05). No cross reaction with human DNA indicated the QCM specificity. Clinical application was evaluated using 30 suspected samples. Twenty-seven samples showed consistent diagnosis of the QCM with microscopy and rapid diagnosis tests (RDTs). Three samples reported "no malaria found" by microscopy showed P. falciparum infection by both QCM and the RDTs. CONCLUSION The malaria QCM was developed with high accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, stability and cost-effectiveness. It is field applicable in malaria endemic area and might be a promising point of care testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanida Ittarat
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
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Abstract
In the past two decades, many Coxiella-like bacteria have been found in hard ticks and soft ticks as well as in vertebrate hosts. It is interesting to note that many ticks harbor Coxiella-like bacteria with high prevalence. Coxiella-like bacteria and virulent Coxiella burnetii have high homology to each other; they form a monophyletic clade based on 16S rRNA sequence data and subsequent phylogenetic tree analyses. In this chapter, methods of detection, phylogeny, prevalence and density, distribution in tick organs, transmission routes, bacteria-host interactions, and putative functions of the Coxiella-like bacteria are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianmin Zhong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Humboldt State University, 1 Harpst Street, Arcata, CA 95521, USA.
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Santana-Morales MA, Afonso-Lehmann RN, Quispe MA, Reyes F, Berzosa P, Benito A, Valladares B, Martinez-Carretero E. Microscopy and molecular biology for the diagnosis and evaluation of malaria in a hospital in a rural area of Ethiopia. Malar J 2012; 11:199. [PMID: 22694993 PMCID: PMC3489512 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-11-199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria is a leading public health problem in Ethiopia. Accurate diagnosis of Plasmodium infections is crucial for the reduction of malaria in tropical areas and for epidemiological studies. The role of light microscopy (LM) as gold standard has been questioned and, therefore, new molecular methods have been developed for the detection of Plasmodium species. The aim of the present work was to compare different malaria diagnostic methods in order to detect the most common species of Plasmodium and to broaden the knowledge of malaria prevalence in a hospital in a rural area in Ethiopia. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 471 individuals was carried out in a hospital in the rural area of Gambo (Ethiopia). Blood samples were prepared for microscopic observation and collected in filter paper for Seminested-Multiplex PCR (SnM-PCR) and real time PCR (qPCR) testing. The SnM-PCR was considered as the gold standard technique and compared with the rest. Thus, agreement between SnM-PCR and LM was determined by calculating Kappa Statistics and correlation between LM and qPCR quantification was calculated by pair-wise correlation co-efficient. RESULTS Samples analysed by LM and SnM-PCR were positive for Plasmodium sp. 5.5% and 10.5%, respectively. Sensitivity was 52.2% by LM and 70% by qPCR. Correlation co-efficient between microscopy counts and qPCR densities for Plasmodium vivax was R2 = 0.586. Prevalence was estimated at 7% (95% CI: 4.7-9.3). Plasmodium vivax was the dominant species detected and the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 5.121 p < 0.05). The highest prevalence of the parasite (10.9%) was observed in age groups under 15 years old. CONCLUSION Accurate malaria diagnostic methods have a great effect in the reduction of the number of malaria-infected individuals. SnM-PCR detection of malaria parasites may be a very useful complement to microscopic examination in order to obtain the real prevalence of each Plasmodium species. Although SnM-PCR shows that it is a good tool for the determination of Plasmodium species, today light microscopy remains the only viabletool for malaria diagnosis in developing countries. Therefore, re-inforcement in the training of microscopists is essential for making the correct diagnosis of malaria. Plasmodium vivax was the predominant species in Gambo, a meso-endemic area for this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Santana-Morales
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Raquel N Afonso-Lehmann
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Maria A Quispe
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | | | - Pedro Berzosa
- National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustin Benito
- National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Basilio Valladares
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Enrique Martinez-Carretero
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
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Deng H, Xu Y, Liu Y, Che Z, Guo H, Shan S, Sun Y, Liu X, Huang K, Ma X, Wu Y, Liang XJ. Gold nanoparticles with asymmetric polymerase chain reaction for colorimetric detection of DNA sequence. Anal Chem 2012; 84:1253-8. [PMID: 22243128 DOI: 10.1021/ac201713t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We developed a novel strategy for rapid colorimetric analysis of a specific DNA sequence by combining gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with an asymmetric polymerase chain reaction (As-PCR). In the presence of the correct DNA template, the bound oligonucleotides on the surface of AuNPs selectively hybridized to form complementary sequences of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) target generated from As-PCR. DNA hybridization resulted in self-assembly and aggregation of AuNPs, and a concomitant color change from ruby red to blue-purple occurred. This approach is simpler than previous methods, as it requires a simple mixture of the asymmetric PCR product with gold colloid conjugates. Thus, it is a convenient colorimetric method for specific nucleic acid sequence analysis with high specificity and sensitivity. Most importantly, the marked color change occurs at a picogram detection level after standing for several minutes at room temperature. Linear amplification minimizes the potential risk of PCR product cross-contamination. The efficiency to detect Bacillus anthracis in clinical samples clearly indicates the practical applicability of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Deng
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
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Lachish S, Gopalaswamy AM, Knowles SCL, Sheldon BC. Site-occupancy modelling as a novel framework for assessing test sensitivity and estimating wildlife disease prevalence from imperfect diagnostic tests. Methods Ecol Evol 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2041-210x.2011.00156.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Hwang SY, Kim SH, Lee GY, Hang VTT, Moon CS, Shin JH, Koo WL, Kim SY, Park HJ, Park HO, Kho WG. A novel real-time PCR assay for the detection of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria in low parasitized individuals. Acta Trop 2011; 120:40-5. [PMID: 21664340 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2011.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2010] [Revised: 04/13/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The rapid, accurate diagnosis of Plasmodium spp. is essential for the effective control of malaria, especially in asymptomatic infections. In this study, we developed a sensitive, genus-specific, real-time quantitative PCR assay. It was compared with the microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears and two different molecular diagnostic techniques: nested PCR and multiplex PCR. For the effective quantitative detection of malaria parasites, all reagents were designed with a lyophilized format in one tube. Plasmodium was detected successfully in all 112 clinically suspected malaria patients, including 32 individuals with low parasitemia (1-100 parasites/μl). The sensitivity threshold was 0.2 parasites/μl and no PCR-positive reaction occurred when malaria parasites were not present. This may be a useful method for detecting malaria parasites in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Young Hwang
- Department of Parasitology, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 614-735, South Korea
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Parasitic infections and myositis. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:1-18. [PMID: 21881948 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2609-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Infectious myositis may be caused by a wide variety of bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic agents. Parasitic myositis is most commonly a result of trichinosis, cystericercosis, or toxoplasmosis, but other parasites may be involved. A parasitic cause of myositis is suggested by history of residence or travel to endemic area and presence of eosinophilia. The diagnosis of parasitic myositis is suggested by the clinical picture and radiologic imaging, and the etiologic agent is confirmed by parasitologic, serologic, and molecular methods, together with histopathologic examination of tissue biopsies. Therapy is based on the clinical presentation and the underlying pathogen. Drug resistance should be put into consideration in different geographic areas, and it can be avoided through the proper use of anti-parasitic drugs.
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Lima GFMC, Levi JE, Geraldi MP, Sanchez MCA, Segurado AAC, Hristov AD, Inoue J, Costa-Nascimento MDJ, Di Santi SM. Malaria diagnosis from pooled blood samples: comparative analysis of real-time PCR, nested PCR and immunoassay as a platform for the molecular and serological diagnosis of malaria on a large-scale. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2011; 106:691-700. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762011000600008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Giselle FMC Lima
- Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo, Brasil; Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil
| | - José E Levi
- Hospital Sírio Libanês, Brasil; Laboratório de Virologia
| | | | | | | | | | - Juliana Inoue
- Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo, Brasil; Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | - Silvia M Di Santi
- Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo, Brasil; Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil
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Abba K, Deeks JJ, Olliaro PL, Naing C, Jackson SM, Takwoingi Y, Donegan S, Garner P. Rapid diagnostic tests for diagnosing uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in endemic countries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011; 2011:CD008122. [PMID: 21735422 PMCID: PMC6532563 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008122.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for Plasmodium falciparum malaria use antibodies to detect either HRP-2 antigen or pLDH antigen, and can improve access to diagnostics in developing countries. OBJECTIVES To assess the diagnostic accuracy of RDTs for detecting P. falciparum parasitaemia in persons living in endemic areas who present to ambulatory healthcare facilities with symptoms suggestive of malaria by type and brand. SEARCH STRATEGY We undertook a comprehensive search of the following databases: Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register; MEDLINE; EMBASE; MEDION; Science Citation Index; Web of Knowledge; African Index Medicus; LILACS; IndMED; to January 14, 2010. SELECTION CRITERIA Studies comparing RDTs with a reference standard (microscopy or polymerase chain reaction) in blood samples from a random or consecutive series of patients attending ambulatory health facilities with symptoms suggestive of malaria in P. falciparum endemic areas. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS For each study, a standard set of data was extracted independently by two authors, using a tailored data extraction form. Comparisons were grouped hierarchically by target antigen, and type and brand of RDT, and combined in meta-analysis where appropriate. MAIN RESULTS We identified 74 unique studies as eligible for this review and categorized them according to the antigens they detected. Types 1 to 3 include HRP-2 (from P. falciparum) either by itself or with other antigens. Types 4 and 5 included pLDH (from P. falciparum) either by itself or with other antigens. In comparisons with microscopy, we identified 71 evaluations of Type 1 tests, eight evaluations of Type 2 tests and five evaluations of Type 3 tests. In meta-analyses, average sensitivities and specificities (95% CI) were 94.8% (93.1% to 96.1%) and 95.2% (93.2% to 96.7%) for Type 1 tests, 96.0% (94.0% to 97.3%) and 95.3% (87.3% to 98.3%) for Type 2 tests, and 99.5% (71.0% to 100.0%) and 90.6% (80.5% to 95.7%) for Type 3 tests, respectively. Overall for HRP-2, the meta-analytical average sensitivity and specificity (95% CI) were 95.0% (93.5% to 96.2%) and 95.2% (93.4% to 99.4%), respectively. For pLDH antibody-based RDTs verified with microscopy, we identified 17 evaluations of Type 4 RDTs and three evaluations of Type 5 RDTs. In meta-analyses, average sensitivity for Type 4 tests was 91.5% (84.7% to 95.3%) and average specificity was 98.7% (96.9% to 99.5%). For Type 5 tests, average sensitivity was 98.4% (95.1% to 99.5%) and average specificity was 97.5% (93.5% to 99.1%). Overall for pLDH, the meta-analytical average sensitivity and specificity (95% CI) were 93.2% (88.0% to 96.2%) and 98.5% (96.7% to 99.4%), respectively. For both categories of test, there was substantial heterogeneity in study results. Quality of the microscopy reference standard could only be assessed in 40% of studies due to inadequate reporting, but results did not seem to be influenced by the reporting quality.Overall, HRP-2 antibody-based tests (such as the Type 1 tests) tended to be more sensitive and were significantly less specific than pLDH-based tests (such as the Type 4 tests). If the point estimates for Type 1 and Type 4 tests are applied to a hypothetical cohort of 1000 patients where 30% of those presenting with symptoms have P. falciparum, Type 1 tests will miss 16 cases, and Type 4 tests will miss 26 cases. The number of people wrongly diagnosed with P. falciparum would be 34 with Type 1 tests, and nine with Type 4 tests. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The sensitivity and specificity of all RDTs is such that they can replace or extend the access of diagnostic services for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. HRP-2 antibody types may be more sensitive but are less specific than pLDH antibody-based tests, but the differences are small. The HRP-2 antigen persists even after effective treatment and so is not useful for detecting treatment failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Abba
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineInternational Health GroupPembroke PlaceLiverpoolMerseysideUKL3 5QA
| | - Jonathan J Deeks
- University of BirminghamPublic Health, Epidemiology and BiostatisticsEdgbastonBirminghamUKB15 2TT
| | - Piero L Olliaro
- World Health OrganizationUNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR)1211 Geneva 27GenevaSwitzerland
| | - Cho‐Min Naing
- International Medical UniversityDivision of Community MedicineNo.126 Jalan 19/155BBukit JalilKuala LumpurMalaysia57000
| | - Sally M Jackson
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineInternational Health GroupPembroke PlaceLiverpoolMerseysideUKL3 5QA
| | - Yemisi Takwoingi
- University of BirminghamPublic Health, Epidemiology and BiostatisticsEdgbastonBirminghamUKB15 2TT
| | - Sarah Donegan
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineInternational Health GroupPembroke PlaceLiverpoolMerseysideUKL3 5QA
| | - Paul Garner
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineInternational Health GroupPembroke PlaceLiverpoolMerseysideUKL3 5QA
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Molecular Approaches for Diagnosis of Malaria and Characterization of Genetic Markers of Drug Resistance. Mol Microbiol 2011. [DOI: 10.1128/9781555816834.ch46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Cytochrome b gene quantitative PCR for diagnosing Plasmodium falciparum infection in travelers. J Clin Microbiol 2011; 49:2191-5. [PMID: 21508150 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02156-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A cytochrome b (cytb) gene quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was developed to diagnose malaria in travelers. First, manual and automated DNA extractions were compared and automated DNA extraction of 400 μl of blood was found to be more efficient. Sensitivity was estimated using the WHO international standard for Plasmodium falciparum DNA and compared to that of a previously published qPCR targeting the 18S rRNA coding gene (18S qPCR). The limit of detection of the cytb qPCR assay was 20 DNA copies (i.e., 1 parasite equivalent) per 400 μl of extracted whole blood and was comparable for the two qPCR assays. Both qPCR assays were used on blood samples from 265 consecutive patients seen for suspicion of malaria. There were no microscopy-positive and qPCR-negative samples. Positive cytb qPCR results were observed for 51 samples, and all but 1 were also 18S qPCR positive. Eight (16%) of these 51 samples were negative by microscopic examination. The 8 cytb qPCR-positive and microscopy-negative samples were from African patients, 3 of whom had received antimalarial drugs. Three non-P. falciparum infections were correctly identified using an additional qPCR assay. The absence of PCR inhibitors was tested for by the use of an internal control of mouse DNA to allow reliable quantification of circulating DNA. The high analytical sensitivity of both qPCR assays combined with automated DNA extraction supports its use as a laboratory tool for diagnosis and parasitemia determination in emergencies. Whether to treat qPCR-positive and microscopy-negative patients remains to be determined.
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Rosanas-Urgell A, Mueller D, Betuela I, Barnadas C, Iga J, Zimmerman PA, del Portillo HA, Siba P, Mueller I, Felger I. Comparison of diagnostic methods for the detection and quantification of the four sympatric Plasmodium species in field samples from Papua New Guinea. Malar J 2010; 9:361. [PMID: 21156052 PMCID: PMC3016373 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-9-361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate diagnosis of Plasmodium infections is essential for malaria morbidity and mortality reduction in tropical areas. Despite great advantages of light microscopy (LM) for malaria diagnosis, its limited sensitivity is a critical shortfall for epidemiological studies. Robust molecular diagnostics tools are thus needed. METHODS The present study describes the development of a duplex quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) assay, which specifically detects and quantifies the four human Plasmodium species. Performance of this method was compared to PCR-ligase detection reaction-fluorescent microsphere assay (PCR_LDR_FMA), nested PCR (nPCR) and LM, using field samples collected from 452 children one to five years of age from the Sepik area in Papua New Guinea. Agreement between diagnostic methods was calcualted using kappa statistics. RESULTS The agreement of qPCR with other molecular diagnostic methods was substantial for the detection of P. falciparum, but was moderate for the detection of P. vivax, P. malariae and P. ovale. P. falciparum and P. vivax prevalence by qPCR was 40.9% and 65.7% respectively. This compares to 43.8% and 73.2% by nPCR and 47.1% and 67.5% by PCR_LDR_FMA. P. malariae and P. ovale prevalence was 4.7% and 7.3% by qPCR, 3.3% and 3.8% by nPCR, and 7.7% and 4.4% by PCR_LDR_FMA. Prevalence by LM was lower for all four species, being 25.4% for P. falciparum, 54.9% for P. vivax, 2.4% for P. malariae and 0.0% for P. ovale. The quantification by qPCR closely correlated with microscopic quantification for P. falciparum and P. vivax samples (R2 = 0.825 and R2 = 0.505, respectively). The low prevalence of P. malariae and P. ovale did not permit a solid comparative analysis of quantification for these species. CONCLUSIONS The qPCR assay developed proved optimal for detection of all four Plasmodium species. Densities by LM were well reflected in quantification results by qPCR, whereby congruence was better for P. falciparum than for P. vivax. This likely is a consequence of the generally lower P. vivax densities. Easy performance of the qPCR assay, a less laborious workflow and reduced risk of contamination, together with reduced costs per sample through reduced reaction volume, opens the possibility to implement qPCR in endemic settings as a suitable diagnostic tool for large epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rosanas-Urgell
- Papua New Guinea Insitute of Medical Research, Madang 511, Papua New Guinea.
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31
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Divis PCS, Shokoples SE, Singh B, Yanow SK. A TaqMan real-time PCR assay for the detection and quantitation of Plasmodium knowlesi. Malar J 2010; 9:344. [PMID: 21114872 PMCID: PMC3009662 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-9-344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The misdiagnosis of Plasmodium knowlesi by microscopy has prompted a re-evaluation of the geographic distribution, prevalence and pathogenesis of this species using molecular diagnostic tools. In this report, a specific probe for P. knowlesi, that can be used in a previously described TaqMan real-time PCR assay for detection of Plasmodium spp., and Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale, was designed and validated against clinical samples. METHODS A hydrolysis probe for a real-time PCR assay was designed to recognize a specific DNA sequence within the P. knowlesi small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. The sensitivity, linearity and specificity of the assay were determined using plasmids containing P. knowlesi DNA and genomic DNA of P. falciparum, P. knowlesi, P. malariae, P. ovale and P. vivax isolated from clinical samples. DNA samples of the simian malaria parasites Plasmodium cynomolgi and Plasmodium inui that can infect humans under experimental conditions were also examined together with human DNA samples. RESULTS Analytical sensitivity of the P. knowlesi-specific assay was 10 copies/μL and quantitation was linear over a range of 10-106 copies. The sensitivity of the assay is equivalent to nested PCR and P. knowlesi DNA was detected from all 40 clinical P. knowlesi specimens, including one from a patient with a parasitaemia of three parasites/μL of blood. No cross-reactivity was observed with 67 Plasmodium DNA samples (31 P. falciparum, 23 P. vivax, six P. ovale, three P. malariae, one P. malariae/P. ovale, one P. falciparum/P. malariae, one P. inui and one P. cynomolgi) and four samples of human DNA. CONCLUSIONS This test demonstrated excellent sensitivity and specificity, and adds P. knowlesi to the repertoire of Plasmodium targets for the clinical diagnosis of malaria by real-time PCR assays. Furthermore, quantitation of DNA copy number provides a useful advantage over other molecular assays to investigate the correlation between levels of infection and the spectrum of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul CS Divis
- Malaria Research Centre, University Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | | | - Balbir Singh
- Malaria Research Centre, University Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Stephanie K Yanow
- Provincial Laboratory for Public Health, Edmonton, Canada
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Abstract
Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are commonly used for biomedical research because of the high level of gene homology that underlies physiologic similarity to human beings. Malaria parasites of the genus Plasmodium cause one of the most frequent parasitic diseases of NHPs originating from tropical and subtropical areas and as such represent a significant research confounder. Malaria in NHPs presents a diagnostic challenge especially to those laboratories that see no more than a few malaria cases per year in NHPs. The accurate and timely diagnosis of malaria infection in NHPs facilitates the appropriate treatment of individuals infected with the malaria parasites. Conventional microscopy based on the examination of Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films remains the mainstay of laboratory diagnosis of malaria infection because of the high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity and also the capability for Plasmodium species identification and parasite counts. This procedure is recognized as technically difficult and time-consuming, requiring considerable training to obtain the necessary skills. In the past few years, efforts to replace the traditional but tedious reading of blood films have led to different techniques for the detection of malaria parasites, including fluorescence microscopy, detection of intraleukocytic hemozoin or malaria pigment using automated blood cell analyzers, immunochromatographic rapid diagnostic tests based on malaria antigen detection, and PCR assays. These techniques offer new approaches for diagnosing malaria in NHPs. This review focuses on the available laboratory diagnostic tools for malaria in NHPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Ameri
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Wyeth Research, Chazy, NY, USA.
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Genc A, Eroglu F, Koltas IS. Detection of Plasmodium vivax by nested PCR and real-time PCR. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2010; 48:99-103. [PMID: 20585524 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2010.48.2.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2010] [Revised: 03/08/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is endemic in the Cukurova region while it is sporadic in other regions of Turkey. Therefore, the laboratory and clinical diagnosis of malaria is important for the treatment of malaria. In this study, 92 blood samples that were taken from the suspected malaria patients for routine diagnosis in a period of 10 years between 1999 and 2009 were analyzed. All of these blood samples were examined by microscopic examinations using Giemsa-stained thick blood films, nested PCR, and real-time PCR. The sensitivity-specificity and positive-negative predictive values for these diagnostic tests were then calculated. It was found that the positive predictive values of microscopic examination of thick blood films, nested PCR, and real-time PCR were 47.8%, 56.5%, and 60.9% for malaria, respectively. The real-time PCR was found to have a specificity of 75% and sensitivity of 100%, while specificity and sensitivity of nested PCR was found 81.2% and 97.7% according to the microscopic examination of thick blood films, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Genc
- Adiyaman University, Vocational School of Health Services, Adiyaman, Turkey.
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Chen G, Feng H, Liu J, Qi ZM, Wu Y, Guo SY, Li DM, Wang JC, Cao YM. Characterization of immune responses to single or mixed infections with P. yoelii 17XL and P. chabaudi AS in different strains of mice. Parasitol Int 2010; 59:400-6. [PMID: 20609420 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2010.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2009] [Revised: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 05/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The outcome of Plasmodium yoelii 17XL (P.y17XL)-infected BALB/c and DBA/2 mice, ranging from death to spontaneous cure, depends largely on the establishment of effective Th1 and Th2 responses and a successful switch between Th1 and Th2 responses, as well as appropriate functioning of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+)regulatory T cells (Tregs). The infection with another malaria-causing parasite, Plasmodium chabaudi AS (P.cAS), leads to a different outcome in BALB/c and DBA/2 mice compared to mice infected with P.y17XL alone. To understand the consequence of co-infection with P.y17XL and P.cAS, we determined the proliferation curve of parasites, pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles, and the dynamic changes of the number of Tregs in DBA/2 and BALB/c mice with single or mixed-species infections. The infective mode in mixed-species infections was the same as single P.y17XL infections. The multiplication of P.y17XL parasites prevailed in BALB/c and DBA/2 mice with early mixed infections, as detected by RTQ-PCR. Subsequently, the multiplication of P.cAS parasites dominated in DBA/2 mice with mixed infections, while BALB/c mice succumbed to infection. In addition, the dynamic changes in IFN-gamma and IL-4 production in mice with mixed infections, used as a measure of Th1 and Th2 responsiveness, were consistent with P.y17XL-infected mice. Treg activation and the IL-10 level were also closely related to susceptibility to infection. Our findings demonstrate that the characteristics of the immune response during infections with mixed species are dependent on the mode of proliferation of different species of Plasmodium. Indeed, different species of Plasmodium can influence each other in the same host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Chen
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Heping District, Shenyang, China
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35
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Fosgate GT, Urdaz-Rodríguez JH, Dunbar MD, Rae DO, Donovan GA, Melendez P, Dobek GL, Alleman AR. Diagnostic accuracy of methods for detecting Anaplasma marginale infection in lactating dairy cattle of Puerto Rico. J Vet Diagn Invest 2010; 22:192-9. [PMID: 20224076 DOI: 10.1177/104063871002200204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine anaplasmosis (BA) is a hemoparasitic disease of great importance in cattle within the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Control programs for BA require accurate diagnostic assays but validation can be challenging because the true disease status of all animals is frequently not known with certainty. The objective of this study was to estimate the accuracy of assays for detection of Anaplasma marginale infection in lactating dairy cattle of Puerto Rico using Bayesian methods without a perfect reference test. There were 2,331 cattle with complete diagnostic results sampled from 79 herds, and the prevalence of BA was estimated as 22% (95% probability interval [PI]: 19-25%). The sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of a major surface protein 5 competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MSP-5 cELISA) were estimated as 99% (95% PI: 96-100%) and 89% (95% PI: 87-92%), respectively. The Se and Sp of a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were 67% (95% PI: 60-74%) and 99% (95% PI: 99-100%). The Se and Sp of a card agglutination test were 34% (95% PI: 29-39%) and 99% (95% PI: 99-100%). Area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for the MSP-5 cELISA was 0.748 (95% PI: 0.71-0.79). The MSP-5 cELISA appears to be the test of choice for screening cattle for subclinical BA based on the high estimated Se, rapidity of results, relative low cost, and ease of standardization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey T Fosgate
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
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Yoo JH, Song J, Lee KA, Sun YK, Kim YA, Park TS, Choi JR. Automated detection of malaria-associated pseudoeosinophilia and abnormal WBC scattergram by the Sysmex XE-2100 hematology analyzer: a clinical study with 1,801 patients and real-time quantitative PCR analysis in vivax malaria-endemic area. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2010; 82:412-4. [PMID: 20207865 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.09-0560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the XE-2100 hematology analyzer was investigated in a rather small patient group; pseudoeosinophilia or abnormal white blood cell (WBC) scattergrams reported by this instrument were considered as significantly valuable diagnostic parameters in detecting vivax malaria. This study was conducted not only to assess the usefulness of pseudoeosinophilia or abnormal WBC scattergram in vivax malaria-endemic areas with large patient groups (N = 1,801) but also to investigate the correlation of parasitemia and platelet count with pseudoeosinophilia and abnormal WBC scattergrams. Of the 1,801 analyzed patients, 413 (22.9%) were found to have malaria by Wright-Giemsa stained blood smears. Overall, either pseudoeosinophilia or abnormal WBC scattergram was detected in 191 of 413 malaria patients and 4 of 1,388 patients without malaria (sensitivity = 46.2%, specificity = 99.7%). We suggest that clinical hematology laboratories using the XE-2100 analyzer should be aware of such specific parameters, even with the absence of a clinical request.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Ha Yoo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Health Insurance Corporation, Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea.
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Bourgeois N, Boutet A, Bousquet PJ, Basset D, Douard-Enault C, Charachon S, Lachaud L. Comparison of three real-time PCR methods with blood smears and rapid diagnostic test in Plasmodium sp. infection. Clin Microbiol Infect 2009; 16:1305-11. [PMID: 19840032 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2009.02933.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In cases of malaria, rapid and accurate diagnosis of Plasmodium sp. is essential. In this study three different quantitative, real-time PCR methods were compared with routine methods used for malaria diagnosis. A comparative study was conducted prospectively in the laboratories of Montpellier and Nîmes University Hospitals. The methods used for routine diagnostic malaria testing consisted of microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears and rapid diagnostic tests. Three quantitative real-time PCR methods (qRT-PCR) were tested: qRT-PCR1 amplified a specific sequence on the P. falciparum Cox1 gene, qRT-PCR2 amplified a species-specific region of the multicopy 18S rDNA, and qRT-PCR3 amplified a mitochondrial DNA sequence. Among the 196 blood samples collected, 73 samples were positive in at least one of the five tests. Compared with the routine method, there were no false negatives for P. falciparum diagnosis in either qRT-PCR1 or qRT-PCR3. In all P. ovale, P. vivax and P. malariae infections diagnosed from blood smears, qRT-PCR1 was negative, as expected, whereas qRT-PCR2 and qRT-PCR3 were positive and concordant (simple kappa coefficient = 1). One negative sample from microscopy was positive with both qRT-PCR2 and qRT-PCR3. Together, qRT-PCR3 and the combined qRT-PCR1 and qRT-PCR2 were concordant with routine methods for malaria diagnosis (99% and 99.5%, respectively). These three rapid, molecular qRT-PCR methods, used alone or in association, showed excellent results, with high concordance, accuracy and reliability in malaria diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Bourgeois
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nîmes, Universite Montpellier I, Nîmes, France
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Multiplexed real-time PCR assay for discrimination of Plasmodium species with improved sensitivity for mixed infections. J Clin Microbiol 2009; 47:975-80. [PMID: 19244467 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01858-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The implementation of real-time PCR for the diagnosis of malaria has been hampered by poor sensitivity for the detection of mixed infections. We have optimized a method that enhances the sensitivity of detection of minor species in mixed infections within a single multiplex reaction. Our assay uses species-specific forward primers in combination with a conserved reverse primer and largely overcomes primer competition for the minor species DNA. With a blind panel of clinical samples, we successfully identified the species in 13/16 mixed infections. This assay was further validated with 91 blood samples and demonstrated a specificity and sensitivity for single infections of 100% compared with nested PCR as the "gold standard." This test has been implemented for routine confirmation of malaria species in Alberta, Canada. In comparison with species identification by microscopy, the real-time PCR test demonstrated greater sensitivity for the identification of species causing low-level and mixed infections and for the discrimination of Plasmodium species other than Plasmodium falciparum. Our experience supports a role for real-time PCR in the identification of malarial species in conjunction with microscopy.
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Perrault SD, Hajek J, Zhong K, Owino SO, Sichangi M, Smith G, Shi YP, Moore JM, Kain KC. Human immunodeficiency virus co-infection increases placental parasite density and transplacental malaria transmission in Western Kenya. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2009; 80:119-125. [PMID: 19141849 PMCID: PMC2752680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum malaria and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 adversely interact in the context of pregnancy, however little is known regarding the influence of co-infection on the risk of congenital malaria. We aimed to determine the prevalence of placental and congenital malaria and impact of HIV co-infection on trans-placental malaria transmission in 157 parturient women and their infants by microscopy and by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in western Kenya. The prevalence of placental and cord blood infections were 17.2% and 0% by microscopy, and 33.1% and 10.8% by PCR. HIV co-infection was associated with a significant increase in placental parasite density (P < 0.05). Cord blood malaria prevalence was increased in co-infected women (odds ratio [OR] = 5.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.90-15.47) and correlated with placental parasite density (OR = 2.57; 95% CI = 1.80-3.67). A 1-log increase in placental monocyte count was associated with increased risk of congenital infection (P = 0.001) (OR = 48.15; 95% CI = 4.59-505.50). The HIV co-infected women have a significantly increased burden of placental malaria that increases the risk of congenital infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kevin C. Kain
- Address correspondence to Kevin C. Kain, Tropical Disease Unit, Eaton North 13-214, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4.
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Uneke CJ. Diagnosis of Plasmoduim falciparum malaria in pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa: the challenges and public health implications. Parasitol Res 2007; 102:333-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-007-0782-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2007] [Accepted: 10/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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41
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Molecular diagnostic and surveillance tools for global malaria control. Travel Med Infect Dis 2007; 6:82-99. [PMID: 18342279 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2007.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2007] [Accepted: 10/09/2007] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is the most devastating parasitic infection in the world, annually causing over 1 million deaths and extensive morbidity. The global burden of malaria has increased over the last several decades, as have rates of imported malaria into non-endemic regions. Rapid and accurate diagnostics are a crucial component of malaria control strategies, and epidemiological surveillance is required to monitor trends in malaria prevalence and antimalarial drug resistance. Conventional malaria diagnostic and surveillance tools can be cumbersome and slow with limitations in both sensitivity and specificity. New molecular techniques have been developed in an attempt to overcome these restrictions. These molecular techniques are discussed with regard to their technical advantages and disadvantages, with an emphasis on the practicality of implementation in malaria-endemic and non-endemic regions.
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Hagmann S, Khanna K, Niazi M, Purswani M, Robins EB. Congenital malaria, an important differential diagnosis to consider when evaluating febrile infants of immigrant mothers. Pediatr Emerg Care 2007; 23:326-9. [PMID: 17505278 DOI: 10.1097/01.pec.0000270164.78238.7d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Congenital malaria is reported rarely in the United States and almost exclusively affects infants of immigrant mothers. Because of its nonspecific presentation with fever during the first 3 months of life, it is an important differential diagnosis when evaluating such infants with fever in the pediatric emergency department. A complete and accurate travel and residency history on the infant's family should be sought during evaluation. As intercontinental travel and immigration increases, emergency department physicians should be alert to the diagnosis of malaria in ill neonates and young infants. We discuss a case of congenital malaria in a 26-day-old infant and review the clinical features of previously reported cases in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Hagmann
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, Bronx, NY 10457, USA.
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43
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Mueller I, Zimmerman PA, Reeder JC. Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale--the "bashful" malaria parasites. Trends Parasitol 2007; 23:278-83. [PMID: 17459775 PMCID: PMC3728836 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2007.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2006] [Revised: 02/22/2007] [Accepted: 04/11/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Although Plasmodium malariae was first described as an infectious disease of humans by Golgi in 1886 and Plasmodium ovale identified by Stevens in 1922, there are still large gaps in our knowledge of the importance of these infections as causes of malaria in different parts of the world. They have traditionally been thought of as mild illnesses that are caused by rare and, in case of P. ovale, short-lived parasites. However, recent advances in sensitive PCR diagnosis are causing a re-evaluation of this assumption. Low-level infection seems to be common across malaria-endemic areas, often as complex mixed infections. The potential interactions of P. malariae and P. ovale with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax might explain some basic questions of malaria epidemiology, and understanding these interactions could have an important influence on the deployment of interventions such as malaria vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Mueller
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang MAD511, Papua New Guinea.
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Vo TKD, Bigot P, Gazin P, Sinou V, De Pina JJ, Huynh DC, Fumoux F, Parzy D. Evaluation of a real-time PCR assay for malaria diagnosis in patients from Vietnam and in returned travellers. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2006; 101:422-8. [PMID: 17150235 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2006.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2006] [Revised: 08/04/2006] [Accepted: 09/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Real-time PCR diagnosis of malaria has advantages over traditional microscopic methods, especially when parasitaemia is low and when dealing with mixed infections. We have developed a new real-time PCR with specific genes in each Plasmodium species present only in one copy to identify the four pathogenic Plasmodium spp. for humans. The sensitivity was less than 25 parasites/microl. No cross-hybridisation was observed with human DNA or among the four Plasmodium spp. Using LightCycler PCR and conventional microscopy, we compared the diagnosis of malaria in patients from Vietnam and in returned European travellers with suspicion of malaria. In patients from Vietnam with suspicion of malaria, one mixed infection was observed by PCR only; the remaining data (54 of 55 patients) correlated with microscopy. In 79 patients without symptoms, low parasitaemia was detected in 7 samples by microscopy and in 16 samples by PCR. In returned travellers, PCR results were correlated with microscopy for all four species in 48 of 56 samples. The eight discrepant results were resolved in favour of real-time PCR diagnosis. This new real-time PCR is a rapid, accurate and efficient method for malaria diagnosis in returned travellers as well as for epidemiological studies or antimalarial efficiency trials in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Kim Duy Vo
- Université de la Méditerranée, EA 864, IFR 48, Marseille, France; University of Hue, 20 Le Loi, Hue, Vietnam
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Johnston SP, Pieniazek NJ, Xayavong MV, Slemenda SB, Wilkins PP, da Silva AJ. PCR as a confirmatory technique for laboratory diagnosis of malaria. J Clin Microbiol 2006; 44:1087-9. [PMID: 16517900 PMCID: PMC1393165 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.44.3.1087-1089.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We compared a nested PCR assay and microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood films for detection and identification of Plasmodium spp. in blood specimens. PCR was more sensitive than microscopy and capable of identifying malaria parasites at the species level when microscopy was equivocal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie P Johnston
- Division of Parasitic Diseases, M.S. F-36, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3724, USA.
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Elsayed S, Plewes K, Church D, Chow B, Zhang K. Use of molecular beacon probes for real-time PCR detection of Plasmodium falciparum and other plasmodium species in peripheral blood specimens. J Clin Microbiol 2006; 44:622-4. [PMID: 16455928 PMCID: PMC1392706 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.44.2.622-624.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the development and evaluation of a novel pair of real-time, fluorescence-based PCR assays using molecular beacon probes for rapid, sensitive, and specific detection and quantification of Plasmodium falciparum and other Plasmodium species organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Elsayed
- Calgary Laboratory Services, 9-3535 Research Rd. NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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McNAMARA DAVIDT, KASEHAGEN LAURINJ, GRIMBERG BRIANT, COLE-TOBIAN JENNIFER, COLLINS WILLIAME, ZIMMERMAN PETERA. Diagnosing infection levels of four human malaria parasite species by a polymerase chain reaction/ligase detection reaction fluorescent microsphere-based assay. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2006; 74:413-21. [PMID: 16525099 PMCID: PMC3728833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Improving strategies for diagnosing infection by the four human Plasmodium species parasites is important as field-based epidemiologic and clinical studies focused on malaria become more ambitious. Expectations for malaria diagnostic assays include rapid processing with minimal expertise, very high specificity and sensitivity, and quantitative evaluation of parasitemia to be delivered at a very low cost. Toward fulfilling many of these expectations, we have developed a post-polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/ligase detection reaction-fluorescent microsphere assay (LDR-FMA). This assay, which uses Luminex FlexMAP microspheres, provides simultaneous, semi-quantitative detection of infection by all four human malaria parasite species at a sensitivity and specificity equal to other PCR-based assays. In blinded studies using P. falciparum-infected blood from in vitro cultures, we identified infected and uninfected samples with 100% concordance. Additionally, in analyses of P. falciparum in vitro cultures and P. vivax-infected monkeys, comparisons between parasitemia and LDR-FMA signal intensity showed very strong positive correlations (r > 0.95). Application of this multiplex Plasmodium species LDR-FMA diagnostic assay will increase the speed, accuracy, and reliability of diagnosing human Plasmodium species infections in epidemiologic studies of complex malaria-endemic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- DAVID T. McNAMARA
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Wolstein Research Building, 4-125, Cleveland, OH 44106-7286
| | - LAURIN J. KASEHAGEN
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Wolstein Research Building, 4-125, Cleveland, OH 44106-7286
| | - BRIAN T. GRIMBERG
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Wolstein Research Building, 4-125, Cleveland, OH 44106-7286
| | - JENNIFER COLE-TOBIAN
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Wolstein Research Building, 4-125, Cleveland, OH 44106-7286
| | - WILLIAM E. COLLINS
- Division of Parasitic Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341
| | - PETER A. ZIMMERMAN
- Address correspondence to Peter A. Zimmerman, Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Wolstein Research Building, 4-125, Cleveland, OH 44106-7286.
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Farcas GA, Soeller R, Zhong K, Zahirieh A, Kain KC. Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for the Rapid Detection and Characterization of Chloroquine-Resistant Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in Returned Travelers. Clin Infect Dis 2006; 42:622-7. [PMID: 16447106 DOI: 10.1086/500134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2005] [Accepted: 10/16/2005] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Imported drug-resistant malaria is a growing problem in industrialized countries. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent malaria-associated mortality in returned travelers. However, outside of a limited number of specialized centers, the microscopic diagnosis of malaria is slow, unreliable, and provides little information about drug resistance. Molecular diagnostics have the potential to overcome these limitations. OBJECTIVE We developed and evaluated a rapid, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to detect Plasmodium falciparum malaria and chloroquine (CQ)-resistance determinants in returned travelers who are febrile. METHODS A real-time PCR assay based on detection of the K76T mutation in PfCRT (K76T) of P. falciparum was developed on a LightCycler platform (Roche). The performance characteristics of the real-time assay were compared with those of the nested PCR-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) and the sequence analyses of samples obtained from 200 febrile returned travelers, who included 125 infected with P. falciparum (48 of whom were infected CQ-susceptible [K76] and 77 of whom were CQ-resistant [T76] P. falciparum), 22 infected with Plasmodium vivax, 10 infected with Plasmodium ovale, 3 infected with Plasmodium malariae malaria, and 40 infected with other febrile syndromes. All patient samples were coded, and all analyses were performed blindly. RESULTS The real-time PCR assay detected multiple pfcrt haplotypes associated with CQ resistance in geographically diverse malaria isolates acquired by travelers. Compared with nested-PCR RFLP (the reference standard), the real-time assay was 100% sensitive and 96.2% specific for detection of the P. falciparum K76T mutation. CONCLUSION This assay is rapid, sensitive, and specific for the detection and characterization of CQ-resistant P. falciparum malaria in returned travelers. This assay is automated, standardized, and suitable for routine use in clinical diagnostic laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella A Farcas
- Tropical Disease Unit, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Bretagne S, Costa JM. Towards a nucleic acid-based diagnosis in clinical parasitology and mycology. Clin Chim Acta 2006; 363:221-8. [PMID: 16102739 DOI: 10.1016/j.cccn.2005.05.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2005] [Accepted: 05/05/2005] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple in-house polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for the diagnosis of parasitic and fungal diseases have been reported. Encouraging results have been published to anticipate or improve the diagnosis. However, the absence of standardized methods has led to discrepant results. As a consequence, these tests are not recognized as consensual diagnostic criteria. METHODS The major breakthrough for improving the results of these methods is the emergence of real-time technologies. This markedly improves the reliability of the PCR results by dramatically decreasing the risk of false positive results due to PCR products carryover. Moreover, the quantitative results provided by these techniques allow to compare rapidly the efficiency of primers, probes, and DNA extraction. Therefore, one can expect a more consensual method to implement comparisons between laboratories. Automated DNA extraction should also be useful to achieve this goal. Whatever sophisticated technology is used, the meaning of detecting nucleic acids in a given clinical sample still needs to be defined. This requires well-designed studies with clinical consensual criteria and PCR techniques that are as similar as possible. CONCLUSIONS The development of real-time technology should improve our knowledge in order to give the clinicians informative clues for decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Bretagne
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie and UMR BIPAR 956, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.
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50
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Espy MJ, Uhl JR, Sloan LM, Buckwalter SP, Jones MF, Vetter EA, Yao JDC, Wengenack NL, Rosenblatt JE, Cockerill FR, Smith TF. Real-time PCR in clinical microbiology: applications for routine laboratory testing. Clin Microbiol Rev 2006; 19:165-256. [PMID: 16418529 PMCID: PMC1360278 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.19.1.165-256.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 800] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Real-time PCR has revolutionized the way clinical microbiology laboratories diagnose many human microbial infections. This testing method combines PCR chemistry with fluorescent probe detection of amplified product in the same reaction vessel. In general, both PCR and amplified product detection are completed in an hour or less, which is considerably faster than conventional PCR detection methods. Real-time PCR assays provide sensitivity and specificity equivalent to that of conventional PCR combined with Southern blot analysis, and since amplification and detection steps are performed in the same closed vessel, the risk of releasing amplified nucleic acids into the environment is negligible. The combination of excellent sensitivity and specificity, low contamination risk, and speed has made real-time PCR technology an appealing alternative to culture- or immunoassay-based testing methods for diagnosing many infectious diseases. This review focuses on the application of real-time PCR in the clinical microbiology laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Espy
- Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Hilton 470, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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