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Mubaraki MA, Hussain M, Fozia F, Ahmad I, Khan SN, Qadir Khan A, Ziaullah Z. Incidence of Helminthic and Viral Coinfections in Malaria Patients in the Tertiary Care Hospital Setup. J Trop Med 2024; 2024:8529788. [PMID: 38576602 PMCID: PMC10994705 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8529788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study determines the incidence of common viral and helminth coinfections with malaria in the tertiary care hospital set up in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Materials and Methods The multidimensional research included malaria patients admitted to different hospitals of district Kohat during January and December 2021. Stool samples and blood were assembled from the patients. Giemsa-stained microscopy-positive samples were processed by the immunochromatography technique (ICT) to identify Plasmodium species. Common viral infections such as viral hepatitis (A, B, and C), HIV, and dengue (DENV) were analyzed by ICT kits while SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed through real-time PCR. Furthermore, the intestinal helminths were identified using the Kato-Katz thick smear method. Results Among 1278 patients, 548 were diagnosed with malaria, 412 (75.2%) were positive for P. vivax infection, 115 (21%) for P. falciparum, and 21 (3.8%) for mixed malaria infection (P. vivax/P. falciparum), with a higher incidence among males (65.2%) than females (34.8%). Coinfection with helminths was positive in 215 (39.3%) malaria patients. The most common infections were caused by the Ascaris lumbricoides species (42.6%) followed by Enterobius vermicularis (31.7%) and hookworm. A total of 24.6% of malaria-positive cases were also coinfected with different viruses with higher frequencies of confection for HAV (8.2%) and DENV (6.2%), respectively. The patients revealed higher incidence of coinfections with P. falciparum (57%) as compared with P. vivax (39.2%) and mixed infections (3.7%). Conclusion This study demonstrated that the study population exhibited a significant incidence of coinfections with intestinal helminth and viral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murad A. Mubaraki
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mubbashir Hussain
- Department of Microbiology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Fozia Fozia
- Department of Biochemistry, KMU Institute of Dental Sciences, Kohat 26000, KP, Pakistan
| | - Ijaz Ahmad
- Department of Chemistry, Kohat University of Sciences & Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Niaz Khan
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Qadir Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Ziaullah Ziaullah
- College of Professional Studies, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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Lupaka M, Degefa T, Eba K, Zeynudin A, Yewhalaw D. Diagnostic performance of ultrasensitive rapid diagnostic test for the detection of Plasmodium falciparum infections in asymptomatic individuals in Kisangani, Northeast Democratic Republic of Congo. Malar J 2023; 22:354. [PMID: 37981691 PMCID: PMC10658930 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04790-1] [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: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasensitive rapid diagnostic test (usRDT) was recently developed to improve the detection of low-density Plasmodium falciparum infections. However, its diagnostic performance has not been evaluated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study aims to determine the performance of the usRDT in malaria diagnosis in asymptomatic individuals under field condition in Kisangani, Northeast of DRC. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from June to August 2022 on 312 asymptomatic individuals residing in the city of Kisangani. Capillary blood samples were collected by finger prick for microscopic examination of thick and thin blood film, RDTs, and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Alere™ Malaria Ag P.f usRDT and conventional RDT (cRDT/SD Bioline Malaria Ag P.f) kits were used for the detection of Plasmodium histidine rich protein 2 (HRP2) antigen as a proxy for the presence of P. falciparum. The diagnostic performance of the usRDT was compared with cRDT, microscopy and PCR. RESULTS The prevalence of asymptomatic P. falciparum malaria was 40.4%, 42.0%, 47.1% and 54.2% by cRDT, microscopy, usRDT and PCR, respectively. By using PCR as a reference, usRDT had sensitivity and specificity of 87.0% (95% CI 81.4-91.7) and 100.0% (95% CI 97.5-100.0), respectively, whereas the cRDT had sensitivity and specificity of 74.6% (95% CI 67.3-80.9) and 100% (95% CI 97.1-100.0), respectively. By using microscopy as a reference, usRDT had sensitivity and specificity of 96.9% (95% CI 92.4-99.2) and 89.0% (95% CI 83.5-93.1), respectively, while the cRDT had sensitivity and specificity of 96.2% (95% CI 92.3-98.7) and 100% (95% CI 97.9-100.0), respectively. CONCLUSION The usRDT showed better diagnostic performance with higher sensitivity than the cRDT which is currently in use as point-of-care test. Further research is necessary to assess the access and cost-effectiveness of the usRDTs to use for malaria surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mbumba Lupaka
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Teshome Degefa
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
| | - Kasahun Eba
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Ahmed Zeynudin
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center (TIDRC), Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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3
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Kotepui M, Kotepui KU, Masangkay FR, Mahittikorn A, Wilairatana P. Prevalence and proportion estimate of asymptomatic Plasmodium infection in Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10379. [PMID: 37369862 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37439-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Asymptomatic Plasmodium infection raises a problem for the persistent transmission of malaria in low-endemic areas such as Asia. This systematic review was undertaken to estimate the prevalence and proportion of asymptomatic Plasmodium infection in Asia. The systematic review was registered at PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022373664). The research followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A comprehensive search of five databases, Ovid, Scopus, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Embase, was conducted to identify studies of asymptomatic Plasmodium infection in Asian countries. The pooled prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium infection, the pooled proportion of asymptomatic Plasmodium infection among all parasitised individuals, and the associated 95% confidence intervals were estimated using a random-effects model. A total of 916 articles were retrieved, and 87 articles that met the criteria were included in the systematic review. The pooled prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium infection among enrolled participants in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Western Asia was 5.8%, 9.4%, and 8.4%, respectively. The pooled proportion of asymptomatic Plasmodium infection among all parasitised individuals in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Western Asia was 89.3%, 87.2%, and 64.8%, respectively. There was a low prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium infection, but there was a high proportion of asymptomatic Plasmodium infection per all parasitised individuals in different parts of Asia. These results may support and facilitate elimination and control programs for asymptomatic Plasmodium infection in Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manas Kotepui
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
| | - Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | | | - Aongart Mahittikorn
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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4
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Jena S, Gaur D, Dubey NC, Tripathi BP. Advances in paper based isothermal nucleic acid amplification tests for water-related infectious diseases. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125089. [PMID: 37245760 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125089] [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: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Water-associated or water-related infectious disease outbreaks are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, which can be transmitted through contaminated water sources, poor sanitation practices, or insect vectors. Low- and middle-income countries bear the major burden of these infections due to inadequate hygiene and subpar laboratory facilities, making it challenging to monitor and detect infections in a timely manner. However, even developed countries are not immune to these diseases, as inadequate wastewater management and contaminated drinking water supplies can also contribute to disease outbreaks. Nucleic acid amplification tests have proven to be effective for early disease intervention and surveillance of both new and existing diseases. In recent years, paper-based diagnostic devices have made significant progress and become an essential tool in detecting and managing water-associated diseases. In this review, we highlight the importance of paper and its variants as a diagnostic tool and discuss the properties, design modifications, and various paper-based device formats developed and used for detecting water-associated pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saikrushna Jena
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Divya Gaur
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Nidhi C Dubey
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Bijay P Tripathi
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India.
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5
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Aidoo EK, Aboagye FT, Botchway FA, Osei-Adjei G, Appiah M, Duku-Takyi R, Sakyi SA, Amoah L, Badu K, Asmah RH, Lawson BW, Krogfelt KA. Reactive Case Detection Strategy for Malaria Control and Elimination: A 12 Year Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis from 25 Malaria-Endemic Countries. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8030180. [PMID: 36977181 PMCID: PMC10058581 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8030180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive case detection (RACD) is the screening of household members and neighbors of index cases reported in passive surveillance. This strategy seeks asymptomatic infections and provides treatment to break transmission without testing or treating the entire population. This review discusses and highlights RACD as a recommended strategy for the detection and elimination of asymptomatic malaria as it pertains in different countries. Relevant studies published between January 2010 and September 2022 were identified mainly through PubMed and Google Scholar. Search terms included "malaria and reactive case detection", "contact tracing", "focal screening", "case investigation", "focal screen and treat". MedCalc Software was used for data analysis, and the findings from the pooled studies were analyzed using a fixed-effect model. Summary outcomes were then presented using forest plots and tables. Fifty-four (54) studies were systematically reviewed. Of these studies, 7 met the eligibility criteria based on risk of malaria infection in individuals living with an index case < 5 years old, 13 met the eligibility criteria based on risk of malaria infection in an index case household member compared with a neighbor of an index case, and 29 met the eligibility criteria based on risk of malaria infection in individuals living with index cases, and were included in the meta-analysis. Individuals living in index case households with an average risk of 2.576 (2.540-2.612) were more at risk of malaria infection and showed pooled results of high variation heterogeneity chi-square = 235.600, (p < 0.0001) I2 = 98.88 [97.87-99.89]. The pooled results showed that neighbors of index cases were 0.352 [0.301-0.412] times more likely to have a malaria infection relative to index case household members, and this result was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The identification and treatment of infectious reservoirs is critical to successful malaria elimination. Evidence to support the clustering of infections in neighborhoods, which necessitates the inclusion of neighboring households as part of the RACD strategy, was presented in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebenezer Krampah Aidoo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, Accra GP 561, Ghana
| | - Frank Twum Aboagye
- Biomedical and Public Health Research Unit, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute, Accra AH 38, Ghana
| | - Felix Abekah Botchway
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, Accra GP 561, Ghana
| | - George Osei-Adjei
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, Accra GP 561, Ghana
| | - Michael Appiah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, Accra GP 561, Ghana
| | - Ruth Duku-Takyi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, Accra GP 561, Ghana
| | - Samuel Asamoah Sakyi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, University Post Office, Kumasi AK 039, Ghana
| | - Linda Amoah
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra LG 581, Ghana
| | - Kingsley Badu
- Department of Theoretical & Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, University Post Office, Kumasi AK 039, Ghana
| | - Richard Harry Asmah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic and Biomedical Science, University of Health & Allied Sciences, Ho PMB 31, Ghana
| | - Bernard Walter Lawson
- Department of Theoretical & Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, University Post Office, Kumasi AK 039, Ghana
| | - Karen Angeliki Krogfelt
- Department of Science and Environment, Unit of Molecular and Medical Biology, The PandemiX Center, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Virus and Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
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6
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Mpina M, Stabler TC, Schindler T, Raso J, Deal A, Acuche Pupu L, Nyakarungu E, Del Carmen Ovono Davis M, Urbano V, Mtoro A, Hamad A, Lopez MSA, Pasialo B, Eyang MAO, Rivas MR, Falla CC, García GA, Momo JC, Chuquiyauri R, Saverino E, Preston Church LW, Kim Lee Sim B, Manguire B, Tanner M, Maas C, Abdulla S, Billingsley PF, Hoffman SL, Jongo S, Richie TL, Daubenberger CA. Diagnostic performance and comparison of ultrasensitive and conventional rapid diagnostic test, thick blood smear and quantitative PCR for detection of low-density Plasmodium falciparum infections during a controlled human malaria infection study in Equatorial Guinea. Malar J 2022; 21:99. [PMID: 35331251 PMCID: PMC8943516 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04103-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Progress towards malaria elimination has stagnated, partly because infections persisting at low parasite densities comprise a large reservoir contributing to ongoing malaria transmission and are difficult to detect. This study compared the performance of an ultrasensitive rapid diagnostic test (uRDT) designed to detect low density infections to a conventional RDT (cRDT), expert microscopy using Giemsa-stained thick blood smears (TBS), and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) during a controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) study conducted in malaria exposed adults (NCT03590340). Methods Blood samples were collected from healthy Equatoguineans aged 18–35 years beginning on day 8 after CHMI with 3.2 × 103 cryopreserved, infectious Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites (PfSPZ Challenge, strain NF54) administered by direct venous inoculation. qPCR (18s ribosomal DNA), uRDT (Alere™ Malaria Ag P.f.), cRDT [Carestart Malaria Pf/PAN (PfHRP2/pLDH)], and TBS were performed daily until the volunteer became TBS positive and treatment was administered. qPCR was the reference for the presence of Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Results 279 samples were collected from 24 participants; 123 were positive by qPCR. TBS detected 24/123 (19.5% sensitivity [95% CI 13.1–27.8%]), uRDT 21/123 (17.1% sensitivity [95% CI 11.1–25.1%]), cRDT 10/123 (8.1% sensitivity [95% CI 4.2–14.8%]); all were 100% specific and did not detect any positive samples not detected by qPCR. TBS and uRDT were more sensitive than cRDT (TBS vs. cRDT p = 0.015; uRDT vs. cRDT p = 0.053), detecting parasitaemias as low as 3.7 parasites/µL (p/µL) (TBS and uRDT) compared to 5.6 p/µL (cRDT) based on TBS density measurements. TBS, uRDT and cRDT did not detect any of the 70/123 samples positive by qPCR below 5.86 p/µL, the qPCR density corresponding to 3.7 p/µL by TBS. The median prepatent periods in days (ranges) were 14.5 (10–20), 18.0 (15–28), 18.0 (15–20) and 18.0 (16–24) for qPCR, TBS, uRDT and cRDT, respectively; qPCR detected parasitaemia significantly earlier (3.5 days) than the other tests. Conclusions TBS and uRDT had similar sensitivities, both were more sensitive than cRDT, and neither matched qPCR for detecting low density parasitaemia. uRDT could be considered an alternative to TBS in selected applications, such as CHMI or field diagnosis, where qualitative, dichotomous results for malaria infection might be sufficient. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-022-04103-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxmillian Mpina
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.
| | - Thomas C Stabler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Schindler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jose Raso
- Medical Care Development International, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.,Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Anna Deal
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Elizabeth Nyakarungu
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.,Medical Care Development International, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | | | - Vicente Urbano
- Medical Care Development International, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.,Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Ali Mtoro
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.,Medical Care Development International, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Ali Hamad
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.,Medical Care Development International, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Maria Silvia A Lopez
- Medical Care Development International, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.,Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Beltran Pasialo
- Medical Care Development International, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.,Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Marta Alene Owono Eyang
- Medical Care Development International, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.,Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Matilde Riloha Rivas
- Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | | | | | - Juan Carlos Momo
- Medical Care Development International, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.,Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Raul Chuquiyauri
- Medical Care Development International, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.,Sanaria Inc., 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | | | | | - B Kim Lee Sim
- Sanaria Inc., 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | | | - Marcel Tanner
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carl Maas
- Marathon EG production Ltd., Houston, USA
| | | | | | | | - Said Jongo
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.,Medical Care Development International, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Thomas L Richie
- Sanaria Inc., 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Claudia A Daubenberger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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7
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Naing C, Htet NH, Aye SN, Aung HH, Tanner M, Whittaker MA. Detection of asymptomatic malaria in Asian countries: a meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy. Malar J 2022; 21:50. [PMID: 35172833 PMCID: PMC8848787 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04082-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Achieving malaria elimination requires the targeting of the human reservoir of infection, including those patients with asymptomatic infection. The objective was to synthesise evidence on the accuracy of the rapid-onsite diagnostic tests (RDTs) and microscopy for the detection of asymptomatic malaria as part of the surveillance activities in Asian countries. Methods This was a meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy. Relevant studies that evaluated the diagnostic performance of RDTs and microscopy for detection of asymptomatic malaria were searched in health-related electronic databases. The methodological quality of the studies included was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Results Ten studies assessing RDT and/or microscopy were identified. The diagnostic accuracies in all these studies were verified by PCR. Overall, the pooled sensitivities of RDT, as well as microscopy for detection of any malaria parasites in asymptomatic participants, were low, while their pooled specificities were almost ideal. For the detection of Plasmodium falciparum, pooled sensitivity by RDT (59%, 95%CI:16–91%) or microscopy (55%, 95%CI: 25–82%) were almost comparable. For detection of Plasmodium vivax, pooled sensitivity of RDT (51%, 95% CI:7–94%) had also the comparable accuracy of microscopy (54%, 95%CI,11–92%). Of note are the wide range of sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that RDTs and microscopy have limited sensitivity and are inappropriate for the detection of asymptomatic Plasmodium infections. Other methods including a combination of PCR-based strategies, Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) technique must be considered to target these infections, in order to achieve malaria elimination. However, more data is needed for the wide acceptance and feasibility of these approaches. Studies to explore the role of asymptomatic and sub-patent infections in the transmission of malaria are of critical importance and are recommended. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-022-04082-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cho Naing
- International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. .,James Cook University, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Douglas, QLD, Australia.
| | | | - Saint Nway Aye
- International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Htar Htar Aung
- International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Marcel Tanner
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maxine A Whittaker
- James Cook University, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Douglas, QLD, Australia
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8
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Farinas MDLRN, Aschar M, Costa-Nascimento MDJ, Di Santi SM. An algorithm based on molecular protocols to improve the detection of Plasmodium in autochthonous malarial areas in the Atlantic Forest biome. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2022; 64:e18. [PMID: 35239862 PMCID: PMC8901118 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946202264018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is the most important vector-borne disease in the world and a challenge for control programs. In Brazil, 99% of cases occur in the Amazon region. In the extra-Amazonian region, a non-endemic area, epidemiological surveillance focuses on imported malaria and on autochthonous outbreaks, including cases with mild symptoms and low parasitemia acquired in the Atlantic Forest biome. In this scenario, cases are likely to be underreported, since submicroscopic parasitemias are not detected by thick blood smear, considered the reference test. Molecular tests are more sensitive, detecting asymptomatic individuals and mixed infections. The aim of this study was to propose a more efficient alternative to detect asymptomatic individuals living in areas of low malaria endemicity, as they are reservoirs of Plasmodium that maintain transmission locally. In total, 955 blood samples from residents of 16 municipalities with autochthonous malaria outbreaks in the Sao Paulo State were analyzed; 371 samples were collected in EDTA tubes and 584 in filter paper. All samples were initially screened by a genus-specific qPCR targeting ssrRNA genes (limit of detection of 1 parasite/µL). Then, positive samples were subjected to a nested PCR targeting ssrRNA and dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase genes (limit of detection of 10 parasites/µL) to determine Plasmodium species. The results showed a statistically significant difference (K = 0.049; p < 0.0001) between microscopy positivity (6.9%) and qPCR (22.9%) for EDTA-blood samples. Conversely, for samples collected in filter paper, no statistical difference was observed, with 2.6% positivity by thick blood smear and 3.1% for qPCR (K = 0.036; p = 0.7). Samples positive by qPCR were assayed by a species-specific nested PCR that was in turn positive in 26% of samples (16 P. vivax and 4 P. malariae ). The results showed that molecular protocols applied to blood samples from residents in areas with autochthonous transmission of malaria were useful to detect asymptomatic patients who act as a source of transmission. The results showed that the genus-specific qPCR was useful for screening positives, with the subsequent identification of species by nested PCR. Additional improvements, such as standardization of blood plotting on filter paper and a more sensitive protocol for species determination, are essential. The qPCR-based algorithm for screening positives followed by nested PCR will contribute to more efficient control of malaria transmission, offering faster and more sensitive tools to detect asymptomatic Plasmodium reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Silvia Maria Di Santi
- Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil; Secretaria da Saúde de São Paulo, Brazil; Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
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9
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Amin H, Ahmed S. Molecular Monitoring of BCR-ABL Fusion Transcripts in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia During Treatment Using the Endpoint Fluorescence Method. Lab Med 2021; 53:183-189. [PMID: 34522972 DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmab075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to compare results and evaluate the agreement between the endpoint fluorescence (EPF) method and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) during molecular monitoring of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) receiving treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted at Molecular Lab of Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan, from January 2017 to December 2018. A total of 150 blood specimens from 30 patients with CML were analyzed at regular intervals during therapy. The detection/quantification of transcript mRNA was done simultaneously using QPCR and the EPF method. RESULTS Out of a total of 150 RNA specimens analyzed, 117 (78%) specimens were positive, whereas 33 (22%) were negative for the transcript using both methods at various stages of treatment. Strong linear negative correlations between the cycle threshold and relative fluorescence unit values were observed with P <.0001 at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of treatment. No significant difference (P >.05) between the means of the BCR-ABL percentage was observed in either method at all stages of treatment. The bias between the 2 methods was calculated as 0.069 ± 3.50, and 95% limits of agreement were 6.92% to -6.79%. CONCLUSION We found that EPF is s simple method to detect/quantify BCR-ABL mRNA expression during treatment with comparable results to QPCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huma Amin
- Department of Pathology, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Suhaib Ahmed
- Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests: Literary Review and Recommendation for a Quality Assurance, Quality Control Algorithm. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11050768. [PMID: 33922917 PMCID: PMC8145891 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11050768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have had an enormous global impact which contributed to the World Health Organization paradigm shift from empiric treatment to obtaining a parasitological diagnosis prior to treatment. Microscopy, the classic standard, requires significant expertise, equipment, electricity, and reagents. Alternatively, RDT’s lower complexity allows utilization in austere environments while achieving similar sensitivities and specificities. Worldwide, there are over 200 different RDT brands that utilize three antigens: Plasmodium histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP-2), Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH), and Plasmodium aldolase (pALDO). pfHRP-2 is produced exclusively by Plasmodium falciparum and is very Pf sensitive, but an alternative antigen or antigen combination is required for regions like Asia with significant Plasmodium vivax prevalence. RDT sensitivity also decreases with low parasitemia (<100 parasites/uL), genetic variability, and prozone effect. Thus, proper RDT selection and understanding of test limitations are essential. The Center for Disease Control recommends confirming RDT results by microscopy, but this is challenging, due to the utilization of clinical laboratory standards, like the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the Clinical Lab Improvement Act (CLIA), and limited recourses. Our focus is to provide quality assurance and quality control strategies for resource-constrained environments and provide education on RDT limitations.
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The Importance of an Active Case Detection (ACD) Programme for Malaria among Migrants from Malaria Endemic Countries: The Greek Experience in a Receptive and Vulnerable Area. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17114080. [PMID: 32521653 PMCID: PMC7312366 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17114080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Greece has been malaria-free since 1974. In October 2011, following an outbreak of 36 locally acquired malaria (LAM) cases in Evrotas Municipality, a Pro-Active Case Detection (PACD) program for malaria was implemented among migrants from malaria-endemic countries, to support early diagnosis and treatment of cases. We evaluated the PACD program for the years 2012–2017 using indicators such as the number of locally acquired cases, the detection rate/sensitivity and the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment. We visited each migrant home every 7–15 days to screen migrants for malaria symptoms, performing Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and blood smears on symptomatic patients. We estimated: (i) the number of malaria cases detected by the PACD, divided by the total number of reported malaria cases during the same period among the same population; (ii) the time between onset of symptoms, diagnosis and initiation of treatment. The total number of migrants who were screened for malaria symptoms for the years 2012–2017 was 5057 with 84,169 fever screenings conducted, while 2288 RDTs and 1736 blood smears were performed. During the same period, 53 imported P. vivax malaria cases were detected, while incidence of malaria among migrants was estimated at 1.8% annually. Ten and one LAM cases were also reported in 2012 and 2015, respectively. Sensitivity of PACD ranged from 86% to 100%; median timeliness between onset of symptoms and diagnosis decreased from 72 h in 2012 to 12 h in 2017 (83% decrease), while timeliness between diagnosis and treatment initiation was 0 h. The implementation of PACD could be considered an effective prevention and response tool against malaria re-introduction.
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Haanshuus CG, Mørch K, Blomberg B, Strøm GEA, Langeland N, Hanevik K, Mohn SC. Assessment of malaria real-time PCR methods and application with focus on low-level parasitaemia. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218982. [PMID: 31276473 PMCID: PMC6611585 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In epidemiological surveys and surveillance the application of molecular tools is essential in detecting submicroscopic malaria. A genus-specific conventional cytochrome b (cytb) PCR has shown high sensitivity in field studies, detecting 70% submicroscopic malaria. The main objective of this study was to assess the conversion from conventional to real-time PCR testing both SYBR and probe protocols, and including quantitative (q) PCR. The protocols were assessed applying well-defined clinical patient material consisting of 33 positive and 80 negative samples. Sequencing of positive PCR products was performed. In addition, a sensitivity comparison of real-time PCR methods was done by including five relevant assays investigating the effect of amplification target and platform. Sensitivity was further examined using field material consisting of 111 P.falciparum positive samples from Tanzanian children (< 5 years), as well as using related patient data to assess the application of q-PCR with focus on low-level parasitaemia. Both the cytb SYBR and probe PCR protocols showed as high sensitivity and specificity as their conventional counterpart, except missing one P. malariae sample. The SYBR protocol was more sensitive and specific than using probe. Overall, choice of amplification target applied is relevant for achieving ultra-sensitivity, and using intercalating fluorescence dye rather than labelled hydrolysis probes is favourable. Application of q-PCR analysis in field projects is important for the awareness and understanding of low-level parasitaemia. For use in clinical diagnosis and epidemiological studies the highly sensitive and user-friendly cytb SYBR q-PCR method is a relevant tool. The genus-specific method has the advantage that species identification by sequencing can be performed as an alternative to species-specific PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christel Gill Haanshuus
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Kristine Mørch
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bjørn Blomberg
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Nina Langeland
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kurt Hanevik
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stein Christian Mohn
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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