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Molina-de la Fuente I, Tahita MC, Bérenger K, Ta Tang TH, García L, González V, Benito A, Hübschen JM, Tinto H, Berzosa P. Malaria diagnosis challenges and pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions using pregnant women as sentinel population in Nanoro region, Burkina Faso. Pathog Glob Health 2024:1-11. [PMID: 39140699 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2024.2388489] [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: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria in pregnancy causes adverse consequences and prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential for case management. In malaria endemic countries, diagnosis is mainly based on rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and microscopy. However, increasing reports of false negatives caused by low parasitemia and pfhrp2/3 deletions raise concerns about HRP2-based RDT usefulness. This study aimed to assess RDT and microscopy performance and to describe pfhrp2/3 deletions in a cohort of 418 pregnant women in Burkina Faso. Malaria was diagnosed using RDT and microscopy and blood samples were collected during antenatal care visits. Diagnostic results were compared to PCR as gold standard. Pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletions were characterized for patients with confirmed P. falciparum infection. RDT had better sensitivity (76%) but lower specificity (83%) than microscopy (sensitivity = 57%; specificity = 98%). Low parasitemia (<150 parasites/µL), especially in multigravidae, was the principal factor causing false negatives by both methods. Moreover, pfhrp2 deletion frequency among overall false negatives by RDT was 21.43%. Higher frequency of deletions was found among all samples, independently of RDT result, for example around 2% of samples had double deletions meaning that the majority of deletions had no effect on RDT testing. Finally, it was found higher pfhrp2 deletion in women with lower uterine height during the first trimester. Wider and National surveillance study of deletions is recommended among pregnant women and in Burkina Faso.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Molina-de la Fuente
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC - CIBER Infectious Diseases (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marc Christian Tahita
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante/Direction Régionale du Centre-Ouest, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Kabore Bérenger
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante/Direction Régionale du Centre-Ouest, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Thuy Huong Ta Tang
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC - CIBER Infectious Diseases (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luz García
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC - CIBER Infectious Diseases (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Vicenta González
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC - CIBER Infectious Diseases (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín Benito
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC - CIBER Infectious Diseases (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Judith M Hübschen
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Halidou Tinto
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante/Direction Régionale du Centre-Ouest, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Pedro Berzosa
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC - CIBER Infectious Diseases (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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Kumah NE, Agbeno EK, Derkyi-Kwarteng L, Aniakwaa-Bonsu E, Djonor SK, Acquah S. Gestational glucose intolerance among pregnant women at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:356. [PMID: 38745311 PMCID: PMC11092027 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06568-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria in pregnancy can have adverse outcomes if untreated. Both malaria and pregnancy are associated with insulin resistance and diabetes. Although malaria is treated prophylactically with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) screened for in pregnancy as part a routine antenatal care, their impacts have not been examined in terms of other forms of dysglycaemia. This cross-sectional study examined insulin resistance and its relationship with dysglycaemia and malaria among pregnant women in the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH). METHODS Using a structured questionnaire, demographic and clinical information were obtained from 252 pregnant women aged 18-42 years. Weight and height were measured for computation of body mass index (BMI). Measurement of insulin, lipid profile and glucose were taken under fasting conditions followed by oral glucose tolerant test. Insulin resistance and beta-cell function were assessed by the homeostatic model as malaria was diagnosed by microscopy. RESULTS The respective prevalence of GDM, gestational glucose intolerance (GGI) and insulin resistance were 0.8% (2/252), 19.44% (49/252) and 56.75% (143/252). No malaria parasite or dyslipidaemia was detected in any of the participants. Apart from BMI that increased across trimesters, no other measured parameter differed among the participants. Junior High School (JHS) education compared with no formal education increased the odds (AOR: 2.53; CI: 1.12-5.71; P = 0.03) but 2nd trimester of pregnancy compared to the 1st decreased the odds (AOR: 0.32; CI: 0.12-0.81; P = 0.02) of having insulin resistance in the entire sample. In a sub-group analysis across trimesters, pregnant women with JHS education in their 3rd trimester had increased odds (AOR: 4.41; CI: 1.25-15.62; P = 0.02) of having insulin resistance. CONCLUSION Prevalence of GDM and GGI were 0.8% and 19.44% respectively. The odds of insulin resistance increased in pregnant women with JHS education in the 3rd trimester. Appropriate measures are needed to assuage the diabetogenic risk posed by GGI in our setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Ekow Kumah
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Evans Kofi Agbeno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Leonard Derkyi-Kwarteng
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Ebenezer Aniakwaa-Bonsu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Sampson Kafui Djonor
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Acquah
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
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Li J, Docile HJ, Fisher D, Pronyuk K, Zhao L. Current Status of Malaria Control and Elimination in Africa: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, Progress and Challenges. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024:10.1007/s44197-024-00228-2. [PMID: 38656731 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00228-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The African continent carries the greatest malaria burden in the world. Falciparum malaria especially has long been the leading cause of death in Africa. Climate, economic factors, geographical location, human intervention and unstable security are factors influencing malaria transmission. Due to repeated infections and early interventions, the proportion of clinically atypical malaria or asymptomatic plasmodium carriers has increased significantly, which easily lead to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. African countries have made certain progress in malaria control and elimination, including rapid diagnosis of malaria, promotion of mosquito nets and insecticides, intermittent prophylactic treatment in high-risk groups, artemisinin based combination therapies, and the development of vaccines. Between 2000 and 2022, there has been a 40% decrease in malaria incidence and a 60% reduction in mortality rate in the WHO African Region. However, many challenges are emerging in the fight against malaria in Africa, such as climate change, poverty, substandard health services and coverage, increased outdoor transmission and the emergence of new vectors, and the growing threat of resistance to antimalarial drugs and insecticides. Joint prevention and treatment, identifying molecular determinants of resistance, new drug development, expanding seasonal malaria chemo-prevention intervention population, and promoting the vaccination of RTS, S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M may help to solve the dilemma. China's experience in eliminating malaria is conducive to Africa's malaria prevention and control, and China-Africa cooperation needs to be constantly deepened and advanced. Our review aims to help the global public develop a comprehensive understanding of malaria in Africa, thereby contributing to malaria control and elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahuan Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Haragakiza Jean Docile
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - David Fisher
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of The Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khrystyna Pronyuk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, O. Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
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Bansal N, Bansal Y, Singh C, Pahwa V, Kumar S. Transfusion transmissible malaria: seroprevalence of malaria parasitemia in blood donors in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2024; 16:258-262. [PMID: 38854983 PMCID: PMC11162172 DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v16i2.15360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Malaria was the first ever reported case of transfusion transmitted infection (TTI). Transfusion transmissible malaria (TTM) can result in febrile transfusion reaction in the recipient. TTM can be fatal if the blood transfusion recipient is from vulnerable population i.e. pregnant women or young children. Therefore, the present study was done to estimate the seroprevalence of malaria parasitemia among blood donors in Garhwal region. Materials and Methods Study subjects were healthy blood donors who had passed the screening criteria for blood donation. Donors with a history of malaria were temporarily deferred for 3 months following full recovery. Screening of the donated blood units for malaria parasite was done using immunochromatography based rapid diagnostic test. Thin smear examination was performed for malaria parasite species identification. Results A total of 1984 blood donations were screened for TTI. The seroprevalence of HBV, HCV HIV and syphilis was 0.3% (n=6), 0.25% (n=5), 0% (n=0) and 0% (n=0) respectively. The seroprevalence of malaria parasite was 0.05% (n=1). Plasmodium vivax was identified upon thin smear examination. The donor reactive for malaria parasite was a replacement donor and gave no recent history of fever or any past history of malaria. Conclusion Meticulous donor screening combined with rapid diagnostic tests for malaria parasite is the most practical strategy to prevent TTM in Garhwal region of India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Bansal
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, VCSG Government Institute of Medical Science and Research, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Yashik Bansal
- Department of Microbiology, VCSG Government Institute of Medical Science and Research, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Charu Singh
- Department of Microbiology, HomiBhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Mullanpur, Punjab, India
| | - Vandita Pahwa
- Department of Preventive Oncology, HomiBhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Mullanpur, Punjab, India
| | - Satish Kumar
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, VCSG Government Institute of Medical Science and Research, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India
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Balmith M, Basson C, Brand SJ. The Malaria Burden: A South African Perspective. J Trop Med 2024; 2024:6619010. [PMID: 38434493 PMCID: PMC10907104 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6619010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a deadly disease caused by protozoan pathogens of the Plasmodium parasite. Transmission to humans occurs through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 247 million cases of malaria were recorded worldwide in 2021, with approximately 619 000 malaria deaths. The initial signs of malaria can be mild and challenging to diagnose due to the signs and symptoms being similar to those of other illnesses. The malaria burden remains largely concentrated in the WHO sub-Saharan African region and has been recognised as a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality. This review aims to contribute to the existing knowledge on malaria in South Africa, a region within sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the epidemiology and life cycle of the malaria parasite as well as diagnostic approaches for detecting malaria. In addition, nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions for treating and preventing malaria infections will also be discussed herein. While there has been a significant reduction in the global burden of this disease, malaria remains a public health issue in South Africa. As such, the implementation of effective preventative measures and strategies, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment regimens are crucial to reducing the malaria burden in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Balmith
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Charlise Basson
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sarel J. Brand
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Nalwoga A, Sabourin KR, Miley W, Jackson C, Maktabi M, Labo N, Mugisha J, Whitby D, Rochford R, Newton R. Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Is Associated With Increased Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) Seropositivity and Higher KSHV Antibody Breadth and Magnitude: Results of a Case-Control Study From Rural Uganda. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:432-442. [PMID: 37536670 PMCID: PMC10873168 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad308] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously, we showed that children with asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria infection had higher Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) viral load, increased risk of KSHV seropositivity, and higher KSHV antibody levels. We hypothesize that clinical malaria has an even larger association with KSHV seropositivity. In the current study, we investigated the association between clinical malaria and KSHV seropositivity and antibody levels. METHODS Between December 2020 and March 2022, sick children (aged 5-10 years) presenting at a clinic in Uganda were enrolled in a case-control study. Pf was detected using malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and subsequently with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Children with malaria were categorized into 2 groups: RDT+/PfPCR+ and RDT-/PfPCR+. RESULTS The seropositivity of KSHV was 60% (47/78) among Pf-uninfected children, 79% (61/77) among children who were RDT-/PfPCR+ (odds ratio [OR], 2.41 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.15-5.02]), and 95% (141/149) in children who were RDT+/PfPCR+ (OR, 10.52 [95% CI, 4.17-26.58]; Ptrend < .001). Furthermore, RDT+/PfPCR+ children followed by RDT-/PfPCR+ children had higher KSHV IgG and IgM antibody levels and reacted to more KSHV antigens compared to uninfected children. CONCLUSIONS Clinical malaria is associated with both increased KSHV seropositivity and antibody magnitude, suggesting that Pf is affecting KSHV immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Nalwoga
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Cancer Epidemiology Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Katherine R Sabourin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Wendell Miley
- Viral Oncology Section, AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Conner Jackson
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado-Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Mahdi Maktabi
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Nazzarena Labo
- Viral Oncology Section, AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Joseph Mugisha
- Cancer Epidemiology Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Denise Whitby
- Viral Oncology Section, AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Rosemary Rochford
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Robert Newton
- Cancer Epidemiology Programme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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Ojurongbe TA, Afolabi HA, Bashiru KA, Sule WF, Akinde SB, Ojurongbe O, Adegoke NA. Prediction of malaria positivity using patients' demographic and environmental features and clinical symptoms to complement parasitological confirmation before treatment. Trop Dis Travel Med Vaccines 2023; 9:24. [PMID: 38098124 PMCID: PMC10722830 DOI: 10.1186/s40794-023-00208-7] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current malaria diagnosis methods that rely on microscopy and Histidine Rich Protein-2 (HRP2)-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) have drawbacks that necessitate the development of improved and complementary malaria diagnostic methods to overcome some or all these limitations. Consequently, the addition of automated detection and classification of malaria using laboratory methods can provide patients with more accurate and faster diagnosis. Therefore, this study used a machine-learning model to predict Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) antigen positivity (presence of malaria) based on sociodemographic behaviour, environment, and clinical features. METHOD Data from 200 Nigerian patients were used to develop predictive models using nested cross-validation and sequential backward feature selection (SBFS), with 80% of the dataset randomly selected for training and optimisation and the remaining 20% for testing the models. Outcomes were classified as Pf-positive or Pf-negative, corresponding to the presence or absence of malaria, respectively. RESULTS Among the three machine learning models examined, the penalised logistic regression model had the best area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the training set (AUC = 84%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 75-93%) and test set (AUC = 83%; 95% CI: 63-100%). Increased odds of malaria were associated with higher body weight (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.50, 95% CI: 2.27 to 8.01, p < 0.0001). Even though the association between the odds of having malaria and body temperature was not significant, patients with high body temperature had higher odds of testing positive for the Pf antigen than those who did not have high body temperature (AOR = 1.40, 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.91, p = 0.068). In addition, patients who had bushes in their surroundings (AOR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.30 to 4.66, p = 0.006) or experienced fever (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI: 0.88 to 4.24, p = 0.099), headache (AOR = 2.07; 95% CI: 0.95 to 3.95, p = 0.068), muscle pain (AOR = 1.49; 95% CI: 0.66 to 3.39, p = 0.333), and vomiting (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI: 0.85 to 6.82, p = 0.097) were more likely to experience malaria. In contrast, decreased odds of malaria were associated with age (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.90, p = 0.012) and BMI (AOR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.80, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION Newly developed routinely collected baseline sociodemographic, environmental, and clinical features to predict Pf antigen positivity may be a valuable tool for clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Olusola Ojurongbe
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Nurudeen A Adegoke
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Kayode TA, Addo AKA, Addison TK, Tweneboah A, Afriyie SO, Abass DA, Seth A, Badu-Tawiah AK, Badu K, Koepfli C. Welcome to the next generation of Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests: Comparative Analysis of NxTek Eliminate Malaria P.f, Biocredit Malaria Ag Pf, and SD Bioline Malaria Ag Pf for Plasmodium falciparum Diagnosis in Ghana. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3459263. [PMID: 37886535 PMCID: PMC10602185 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3459263/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial in combating malaria. Methods We evaluated the diagnostic performance of three Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) in diagnosing febrile patients, namely: Abbott NxTek Eliminate Malaria Ag Pf (detecting HRP2), Rapigen Biocredit Malaria Ag Pf (detecting HRP2 and LDH on separate bands), and SD Bioline Malaria Ag Pf (detecting HRP2). Results were compared to qPCR. Results Among 449 clinical patients, 45.7% (205/449) tested positive by qPCR for P. falciparum with a mean parasite density of 12.5parasites/μL. The sensitivity of the Biocredit RDT was 52.2% (107/205), NxTek RDT was 49.3% (101/205), and Bioline RDT was 40.5% (83/205). When samples with parasite densities lower than 20 parasites/uL were excluded (n=116), a sensitivity of 88.8% (79/89, NxTek), 89.9% (80/89, Biocredit), and 78.7% (70/89, Bioline) was obtained. All three RDTs demonstrated specificity above 95%. The limits of detection was 84 parasites/μL (NxTek), 56 parasites/μL (Biocredit, considering either HRP2 or LDH), and 331 parasites/μL (Bioline). None of the three qPCR-confirmed P. falciparum positive samples, identified solely through the LDH target, carried hrp2/3 deletions. Conclusion The Biocredit and NxTek RDTs demonstrated comparable diagnostic efficacies and both RDTs performed better than Bioline RDT.
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