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Gupta H, Sharma S, Gilyazova I, Satyamoorthy K. Molecular tools are crucial for malaria elimination. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:555. [PMID: 38642192 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09496-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
The eradication of Plasmodium parasites, responsible for malaria, is a daunting global public health task. It requires a comprehensive approach that addresses symptomatic, asymptomatic, and submicroscopic cases. Overcoming this challenge relies on harnessing the power of molecular diagnostic tools, as traditional methods like microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests fall short in detecting low parasitaemia, contributing to the persistence of malaria transmission. By precisely identifying patients of all types and effectively characterizing malaria parasites, molecular tools may emerge as indispensable allies in the pursuit of malaria elimination. Furthermore, molecular tools can also provide valuable insights into parasite diversity, drug resistance patterns, and transmission dynamics, aiding in the implementation of targeted interventions and surveillance strategies. In this review, we explore the significance of molecular tools in the pursuit of malaria elimination, shedding light on their key contributions and potential impact on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Sonal Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Irina Gilyazova
- Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics, Ufa, 450054, Russia
- Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, 450008, Russia
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) University, Manjushree Nagar, Sattur, Dharwad, 580009, Karnataka, India
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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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Pujol A, Brokhattingen N, Matambisso G, Mbeve H, Cisteró P, Escoda A, Maculuve S, Cuna B, Melembe C, Ndimande N, Munguambe H, Montaña J, Nhamússua L, Simone W, Tetteh KKA, Drakeley C, Gamain B, Chitnis CE, Chauhan V, Quintó L, Chidimatembue A, Martí-Soler H, Galatas B, Guinovart C, Saúte F, Aide P, Macete E, Mayor A. Detecting temporal and spatial malaria patterns from first antenatal care visits. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4004. [PMID: 37414792 PMCID: PMC10326053 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39662-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women attending first antenatal care (ANC) visits represent a promising malaria surveillance target in Sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed the spatio-temporal relationship between malaria trends at ANC (n = 6471) and in children in the community (n = 3933) and at health facilities (n = 15,467) in southern Mozambique (2016-2019). ANC P. falciparum rates detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction mirrored rates in children, regardless of gravidity and HIV status (Pearson correlation coefficient [PCC] > 0.8, χ²<1.1), with a 2-3 months lag. Only at rapid diagnostic test detection limits at moderate-to-high transmission, did multigravidae show lower rates than children (PCC = 0.61, 95%CI[-0.12-0.94]). Seroprevalence against the pregnancy-specific antigen VAR2CSA reflected declining malaria trends (PCC = 0.74, 95%CI[0.24-0.77]). 60% (9/15) of hotspots detected from health facility data (n = 6662) using a novel hotspot detector, EpiFRIenDs, were also identified with ANC data (n = 3616). Taken together, we show that ANC-based malaria surveillance offers contemporary information on temporal trends and geographic distribution of malaria burden in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnau Pujol
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Glória Matambisso
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Henriques Mbeve
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Pau Cisteró
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Escoda
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sónia Maculuve
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Boaventura Cuna
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Cardoso Melembe
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Nelo Ndimande
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Júlia Montaña
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lídia Nhamússua
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Wilson Simone
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Kevin K A Tetteh
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Chris Drakeley
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Benoit Gamain
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, BIGR, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Chetan E Chitnis
- Malaria Parasite Biology and Vaccines, Department of Parasites & Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Virander Chauhan
- Malaria Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Llorenç Quintó
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | | | - Beatriz Galatas
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Francisco Saúte
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Pedro Aide
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
- National Institute of Health, Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Eusébio Macete
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Alfredo Mayor
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique.
- Spanish Consortium for Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Physiologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique.
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Kshirsagar A, Choi G, Santosh V, Harvey T, Bernhards RC, Guan W. Handheld Purification-Free Nucleic Acid Testing Device for Point-of-Need Detection of Malaria from Whole Blood. ACS Sens 2023; 8:673-683. [PMID: 36696460 PMCID: PMC11214673 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c02169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
World Health Organization's aim to eliminate malaria from developing/resource-limited economies requires easy access to low-cost, highly sensitive, and specific screening. We present a handheld nucleic acid testing device with on-chip automated sample preparation to detect malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) infection from a whole blood sample as a feasibility study. We used a simple two-reagent-based purification-free protocol to prepare the whole blood sample on a piezo pump pressure-driven microfluidic cartridge. The cartridge includes a unique mixing chamber for sample preparation and metering structures to dispense a predetermined volume of the sample lysate mixture into four chambers containing a reaction mix. The parasite genomic DNA concentration can be estimated by monitoring the fluorescence generated from the loop-mediated isothermal amplification reaction in real time. We achieved a sensitivity of ∼0.42 parasite/μL of whole blood, sufficient for detecting asymptomatic malaria parasite carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneesh Kshirsagar
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA
| | - Gihoon Choi
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA
| | - Vishaka Santosh
- U.S. Army, DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010, USA
| | - Tara Harvey
- U.S. Army, DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010, USA
| | - Robert Cory Bernhards
- U.S. Army, DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010, USA
| | - Weihua Guan
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA
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Pujol A, Brokhattingen N, Matambisso G, Mbeve H, Cisteró P, Escoda A, Maculuve S, Cuna B, Melembe C, Ndimande N, Munguambe H, Lopez JM, Nhamussa L, Simone W, Tetteh K, Drakeley C, Gamain B, Chitnis C, Chauhan VS, Quintó L, Chidimatembue A, Soler HM, Galatas B, Guinovart C, Saute F, Aide P, Macete E, Mayor A. Detecting temporal and spatial malaria patterns from first antenatal care visits. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2592126. [PMID: 36865132 PMCID: PMC9980210 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2592126/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant women attending first antenatal care (ANC) visits represent a promising malaria surveillance target in Sub-Saharan Africa. Here we assessed the spatio-temporal relationship between malaria at ANC (n=6,471), in children at the community(n=9,362) and at health facilities (n=15,467) in southern Mozambique (2016-2019). ANC P. falciparum rates detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction mirrored rates in children, regardless of gravidity and HIV status (Pearson correlation coefficient [PCC]>0.8, χ²<1.1), with a 2-3 months lag. Only at rapid diagnostic test detection limits at moderate-to-high transmission, multigravidae showed lower rates than children (PCC=0.61, 95%CI[-0.12-0.94]). Seroprevalence against the pregnancy-specific antigen VAR2CSA reflected declining malaria trends (PCC=0.74, 95%CI[0.24-0.77]). 80% (12/15) of hotspots detected from health facility data using a novel hotspot detector, EpiFRIenDs, were also identified with ANC data. The results show that ANC-based malaria surveillance offers contemporary information on temporal trends and the geographic distribution of malaria burden in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnau Pujol
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Center for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona / Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chris Drakeley
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Beatriz Galatas
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Center for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona / Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça
| | | | | | | | | | - Alfredo Mayor
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Center for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona / Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça
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Mwangonela ZE, Ye Y, Rachel Q, Msuya HM, Mwamlima TG, Mswata SS, Chaki PP, Kimaro EG, Mweya CN, Mpina MG, Mwangoka GW. Field evaluation of the novel One Step Malaria Pf and Pf/Pv rapid diagnostic tests and the proportion of HRP-2 gene deletion identified on samples collected in the Pwani region, Tanzania. BULLETIN OF THE NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE 2023; 47:17. [PMID: 36776799 PMCID: PMC9904258 DOI: 10.1186/s42269-023-00992-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) have played an important role in the early detection of clinical malaria in an endemic area. While several mRDTs are currently on the market, the availability of mRDTs with high sensitivity and specificity will merit the fight against malaria. We evaluated the field performance of a novel One Step Malaria (P.f/P.v) Tri-line and One Step Malaria (P.f) rapid test kits in Pwani, Tanzania. Methods In a cross-sectional study conducted in Bagamoyo and Kibiti districts in Tanzania, symptomatic patients were tested using the SD BIOLINE, One Step Malaria (P.f/P.v) Tri-line and One Step Malaria (P.f) rapid test kits, microscope, and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). An additional qPCR assay was carried out to detect Histidine-Rich Protein 2 (HRP-2) gene deletion on mRDT negative but microscope and qPCR positive samples. Microscope results confirmed by qPCR were used for analysis, where qPCR was used as a reference method. Results The sensitivity and specificity of One Step P.f/P.v Tri-line mRDTs were 96.0% (CI 93.5-97.7%) and 98.3% (CI 96.8-99.2%), respectively. One Step P.f mRDT had sensitivity and specificity of 95.2% (CI 92.5-97.1%) and 97.9% (CI 96.3-99.0%) respectively. Positive predictive value (PPV) was 97.6% (CI 95.4-98.7%) and negative predictive value (NPV) was 96.2% (CI 95.5-98.3%) for the One Step P.f/P.v Tri-line mRDTs respectively, while One Step P.f mRDT had positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.0% (CI 94.8-98.3%) and 96.7 (CI 94.9-97.9%) respectively. 9.8% (CI 7.84-11.76) of all samples tested and reported to be malaria-negative by mRDT had HRP-2 gene deletion. Conclusion One Step Malaria P.f/P.v Tri-line and One Step Malaria P.f rapid test kits have similar sensitivity and specificity as the standard mRDT that is currently in the market, demonstrating the potential to contribute in the fight against malaria in endemic settings. However, the identified malaria parasites population with HRP-2 gene deletion pose a threat to the current mRDT usability in the field and warrants further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zena E. Mwangonela
- Ifakara Health Institute Bagamoyo Branch, P.O.Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O.Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Young Ye
- InTec Products, Inc., 332 Xinguang Road Xinyang Industrial Area, Haicang, Xiamen City, 361022 China
| | - Qin Rachel
- InTec Products, Inc., 332 Xinguang Road Xinyang Industrial Area, Haicang, Xiamen City, 361022 China
| | - Hajirani M. Msuya
- Ifakara Health Institute Bagamoyo Branch, P.O.Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Tunu G. Mwamlima
- Ifakara Health Institute Bagamoyo Branch, P.O.Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O.Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Sarah S. Mswata
- Ifakara Health Institute Bagamoyo Branch, P.O.Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Prosper P. Chaki
- Ifakara Health Institute Bagamoyo Branch, P.O.Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Ester G. Kimaro
- The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O.Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Clement N. Mweya
- Univesity of Dar Es Salaam, Mbeya College of Health and Allied Science, P.O.Box 608, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | | | - Grace W. Mwangoka
- Ifakara Health Institute Bagamoyo Branch, P.O.Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
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7
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Matambisso G, Brokhattingen N, Maculuve S, Cisteró P, Mbeve H, Escoda A, Miguel J, Buetas E, de Jong I, Cuna B, Melembe C, Ndimande N, Porras G, Chen H, Tetteh KKA, Drakeley C, Gamain B, Chitnis C, Chauhan V, Quintó L, Galatas B, Macete E, Mayor A. Gravidity and malaria trends interact to modify P. falciparum densities and detectability in pregnancy: a 3-year prospective multi-site observational study. BMC Med 2022; 20:396. [PMID: 36376866 PMCID: PMC9664815 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02597-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-density Plasmodium falciparum infections prevail in low transmission settings, where immunity is expected to be minimal, suggesting an immune-independent effect on parasite densities. We aimed to describe parasite densities in pregnancy, and determine how gravidity and antibody-mediated immunity affect these, during a period of declining malaria transmission in southern Mozambique. METHODS We documented P. falciparum infections at first antenatal care visits (n = 6471) between November 2016 and October 2019 in Ilha Josina (high-to-moderate transmission area), Manhiça (low transmission area), and Magude (pre-elimination area). Two-way interactions in mixed-effects regression models were used to assess gravidity-dependent differences in quantitative PCR-determined P. falciparum positivity rates (PfPRqPCR) and densities, in the relative proportion of detectable infections (pDi) with current diagnostic tests (≥ 100 parasites/μL) and in antimalarial antibodies. RESULTS PfPRqPCR declined from 28 to 13% in Ilha Josina and from 5-7 to 2% in Magude and Manhiça. In primigravidae, pDi was highest in Ilha Josina at the first study year (p = 0.048), which declined with falling PfPRqPCR (relative change/year: 0.41, 95% CI [0.08; 0.73], p = 0.029), with no differences in antibody levels. Higher parasite densities in primigravidae from Ilha Josina during the first year were accompanied by a larger reduction of maternal hemoglobin levels (- 1.60, 95% CI [- 2.49; - 0.72; p < 0.001), than in Magude (- 0.76, 95% CI [- 1.51; - 0.01]; p = 0.047) and Manhiça (- 0.44, 95% CI [- 0.99; 0.10; p = 0.112). In contrast, multigravidae during the transmission peak in Ilha Josina carried the lowest pDi (p = 0.049). As PfPRqPCR declined, geometric mean of parasite densities increased (4.63, 95% CI [1.28; 16.82], p = 0.020), and antibody levels declined among secundigravidae from Ilha Josina. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of detectable and clinically relevant infections is the highest in primigravid women from high-to-moderate transmission settings and decreases with declining malaria. In contrast, the falling malaria trends are accompanied by increased parasite densities and reduced humoral immunity among secundigravidae. Factors other than acquired immunity thus emerge as potentially important for producing less detectable infections among primigravidae during marked declines in malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glória Matambisso
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Sónia Maculuve
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Pau Cisteró
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Henriques Mbeve
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Anna Escoda
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judice Miguel
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Elena Buetas
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ianthe de Jong
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Boaventura Cuna
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Cardoso Melembe
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Nelo Ndimande
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Gemma Porras
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Haily Chen
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kevin K A Tetteh
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Chris Drakeley
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Benoit Gamain
- Université de Paris, Biologie Intégrée du Globule Rouge, UMR_S1134, Inserm, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Chetan Chitnis
- Department of Parasites & Insect Vectors, Malaria Parasite Biology and Vaccines, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Virander Chauhan
- Malaria Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Llorenç Quintó
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique.,ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Galatas
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique.,ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eusébio Macete
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique.,National Directare of Health, Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Alfredo Mayor
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique. .,ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. .,Spanish Consortium for Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain. .,Department of Physiologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique.
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Martiáñez-Vendrell X, Skjefte M, Sikka R, Gupta H. Factors Affecting the Performance of HRP2-Based Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7100265. [PMID: 36288006 PMCID: PMC9611031 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7100265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted global malaria elimination programs, resulting in a sharp increase in malaria morbidity and mortality. To reduce this impact, unmet needs in malaria diagnostics must be addressed while resuming malaria elimination activities. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), the unsung hero in malaria diagnosis, work to eliminate the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria through their efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly qualities in detecting the antigen HRP2 (histidine-rich protein 2), among other proteins. However, the testing mechanism and management of malaria with RDTs presents a variety of limitations. This paper discusses the numerous factors (including parasitic, host, and environmental) that limit the performance of RDTs. Additionally, the paper explores outside factors that can hinder RDT performance. By understanding these factors that affect the performance of HRP2-based RDTs in the field, researchers can work toward creating and implementing more effective and accurate HRP2-based diagnostic tools. Further research is required to understand the extent of these factors, as the rapidly changing interplay between parasite and host directly hinders the effectiveness of the tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Martiáñez-Vendrell
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, LUMC Center for Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands or
| | - Malia Skjefte
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ruhi Sikka
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura 281406, UP, India
| | - Himanshu Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura 281406, UP, India
- Correspondence: or
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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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10
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Yimam Y, Mohebali M, Abbaszadeh Afshar MJ. Comparison of diagnostic performance between conventional and ultrasensitive rapid diagnostic tests for diagnosis of malaria: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263770. [PMID: 35143565 PMCID: PMC8830612 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Successful malaria treatment, control and elimination programs require accurate, affordable, and field-deployable diagnostic tests. A number of studies have directly compared diagnostic performance between the new ultrasensitive rapid diagnostic test (us-RDT) and conventional rapid diagnostic test (co-RDT) for detecting malaria. Thus, we undertook this review to directly compare pooled diagnostic performance of us-RDT and co-RDT for detection of malaria. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and ProQuest were searched from their inception until 31 January 2021 accompanied by forward and backward citations tracking. Two authors independently assessed the quality of included studies by RevMan5 software (using the QUADAS-2 checklist). Diagnostic accuracy estimates (sensitivity and specificity and others) were pooled using a random-effect model and 95% confidence interval (CI) in Stata 15 software. Results Fifteen studies with a total of 20,236 paired co-RDT and us-RDT tests were included in the meta-analysis. Molecular methods (15 studies) and immunoassay test (one study) were used as standard methods for comparison with co-RDT and us-RDT tests. The pooled sensitivity for co-RDT and us-RDT were 42% (95%CI: 25–62%) and 61% (95%CI: 47–73%), respectively, with specificity of 99% (95%CI: 98–100%) for co-RDT, and 99% (95%CI: 96–99%) for us-RDT. In asymptomatic individuals, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of co-RDT were 27% (95%CI: 8–58%) and 100% (95%CI: 97–100%), respectively, while us-RDT had a sensitivity of 50% (95%CI: 33–68%) and specificity of 98% (95%CI: 94–100%). In low transmission settings, pooled sensitivity for co-RDT was 36% (95%CI: 9 76%) and 62% (95%CI: 44 77%) for us RDT, while in high transmission areas, pooled sensitivity for co RDT and us RDT were 62% (95%CI: 39 80%) and 75% (95%CI: 57–87%), respectively. Conclusion The us-RDT test showed better performance than co-RDT test, and this characteristic is more evident in asymptomatic individuals and low transmission areas; nonetheless, additional studies integrating a range of climate, geography, and demographics are needed to reliably understand the potential of the us-RDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonas Yimam
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Computational Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Centers for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Abbaszadeh Afshar
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
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11
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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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12
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Slater HC, Ding XC, Knudson S, Bridges DJ, Moonga H, Saad NJ, De Smet M, Bennett A, Dittrich S, Slutsker L, Domingo GJ. Performance and utility of more highly sensitive malaria rapid diagnostic tests. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:121. [PMID: 35120441 PMCID: PMC8815208 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-07023-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A new more highly sensitive rapid diagnostic test (HS-RDT) for Plasmodium falciparum malaria (Alere™/Abbott Malaria Ag P.f RDT [05FK140], now called NxTek™ Eliminate Malaria Ag Pf) was launched in 2017. The test has already been used in many research studies in a wide range of geographies and use cases. Methods In this study, we collate all published and available unpublished studies that use the HS-RDT and assess its performance in (i) prevalence surveys, (ii) clinical diagnosis, (iii) screening pregnant women, and (iv) active case detection. Two individual-level data sets from asymptomatic populations are used to fit logistic regression models to estimate the probability of HS-RDT positivity based on histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) concentration and parasite density. The performance of the HS-RDT in prevalence surveys is estimated by calculating the sensitivity and positive proportion in comparison to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and conventional malaria RDTs. Results We find that across 18 studies, in prevalence surveys, the mean sensitivity of the HS-RDT is estimated to be 56.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 46.9–65.4%) compared to 44.3% (95% CI 32.6–56.0%) for a conventional RDT (co-RDT) when using nucleic acid amplification techniques as the reference standard. In studies where prevalence was estimated using both the HS-RDT and a co-RDT, we found that prevalence was on average 46% higher using a HS-RDT compared to a co-RDT. For use in clinical diagnosis and screening pregnant women, the HS-RDT was not significantly more sensitive than a co-RDT. Conclusions Overall, the evidence presented here suggests that the HS-RDT is more sensitive in asymptomatic populations and could provide a marginal improvement in clinical diagnosis and screening pregnant women. Although the HS-RDT has limited temperature stability and shelf-life claims compared to co-RDTs, there is no evidence to suggest, given this test has the same cost as current RDTs, it would have any negative impacts in terms of malaria misdiagnosis if it were widely used in all four population groups explored here. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-07023-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Slater
- Diagnostics Program, PATH, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases, PATH, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Xavier C Ding
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Daniel J Bridges
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Hawela Moonga
- National Malaria Elimination Centre, Zambia Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Neil J Saad
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Phnom Penh, Preah Vihear, Cambodia
| | | | - Adam Bennett
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases, PATH, Seattle, WA, USA.,Malaria Elimination Initiative, Global Health Group, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sabine Dittrich
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
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13
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Gupta H, Wassmer SC. Harnessing the Potential of miRNAs in Malaria Diagnostic and Prevention. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:793954. [PMID: 34976869 PMCID: PMC8716737 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.793954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite encouraging progress over the past decade, malaria remains a major global health challenge. Its severe form accounts for the majority of malaria-related deaths, and early diagnosis is key for a positive outcome. However, this is hindered by the non-specific symptoms caused by malaria, which often overlap with those of other viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. In addition, current tools are unable to detect the nature and degree of vital organ dysfunction associated with severe malaria, as complications develop silently until the effective treatment window is closed. It is therefore crucial to identify cheap and reliable early biomarkers of this wide-spectrum disease. microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs, are rapidly released into the blood circulation upon physiological changes, including infection and organ damage. The present review details our current knowledge of miRNAs as biomarkers of specific organ dysfunction in patients with malaria, and both promising candidates identified by pre-clinical models and important knowledge gaps are highlighted for future evaluation in humans. miRNAs associated with infected vectors are also described, with a view to expandind this rapidly growing field of research to malaria transmission and surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Gupta
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel C. Wassmer
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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14
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Danwang C, Kirakoya-Samadoulougou F, Samadoulougou S. Assessing field performance of ultrasensitive rapid diagnostic tests for malaria: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Malar J 2021; 20:245. [PMID: 34082776 PMCID: PMC8176703 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03783-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To overcome the limitations of conventional malaria rapid diagnostic tests (cRDTs) in diagnosing malaria in patients with low parasitaemia, ultrasensitive malaria rapid diagnostic tests (uRDTs) have recently been developed, with promising results under laboratory conditions. The current study is the first meta-analysis comparing the overall sensitivity, and specificity of newly developed ultrasensitive Plasmodium falciparum malaria RDT (Alere™ Ultra-sensitive Malaria Ag P. falciparum RDT) with the cRDT conducted in the same field conditions. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane infectious diseases group specialized register, and African Journals Online (AJOL) were searched up to 20th April 2021. Studies with enough data to compute sensitivity and specificity of uRDT and cRDT were retrieved. A random-effect model for meta-analysis was used to obtain the pooled sensitivity and specificity. Results Overall, 15 data sets from 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall sensitivity of the Alere™ ultra-sensitive Malaria Ag P. falciparum RDT regardless of the reference test and the clinical presentation of participants, was 55.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 45.5; 65.0), while the sensitivity regardless of the reference test and the clinical presentation of participants, was 42.9% (95% CI: 31.5; 55.2) for the cRDT performed in the same field conditions. When PCR was used as reference test, the sensitivity of uRDT was 60.4% (95% CI: 50.8; 69.2), while the sensitivity was 49.4% (95% CI: 38.2; 60.6) for the cRDT. The pooled specificity of uRDT regardless of the reference test and the clinical presentation of participants was 98.6% (95% CI: 97.1; 99.4), and the pooled specificity of cRDT regardless of the reference test and the clinical presentation of participants was 99.3% (95% CI: 98.1; 99.7). When PCR was used as reference test the specificity of uRDT and cRDT was 97.5% (95% CI: 94.1; 98.9) and 98.2% (95% CI: 95.5; 99.3). Regardless of the reference test used, the sensitivity of Alere™ Ultra-sensitive Malaria Ag P. falciparum RDT in symptomatic patients was 72.1% (95%CI: 67.4; 76.4), while sensitivity of cRDT was 67.4% (95%CI: 57.6; 75.9). Conclusion Findings of the meta-analysis show that Alere™ Ultra-sensitive Malaria Ag P. falciparum RDT compared to cRDT performed in the same field conditions has higher sensitivity but lower specificity although the difference is not statistically significant. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-03783-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celestin Danwang
- Department of Surgery and Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon. .,Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale Et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Fati Kirakoya-Samadoulougou
- Centre for Research in Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Clinical Research, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik, 808, 1070, Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sekou Samadoulougou
- Centre for Research On Planning and Development (CRAD), Laval University, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada.,Evaluation Platform On Obesity Prevention, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec, G1V 4G5, Canada
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15
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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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