Malaria diagnostic algorithm
In the last two decades we have been presented with a plethora of Malaria diagnostic kits.
Rapid diagnostic tests have been of tremendous help in malaria control in endemic areas, helping in diagnosis and treatment of malaria cases. It is heavily relied upon in many endemic areas where microscopy cannot be obtained.
In non endemic areas such as returned travelers and refugees presenting with pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO), the use of:-
1.Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT’s),
2.Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) which have become very popular and
3.Nucleic acid amplification – Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR).
must not be interpreted in isolation but reported with caution.
Inappropriate reporting of these diagnostic tests can lead to unnecessary treatment.
This presentation will entail:-
-Scenarios of current examples of RDT’S, LAMP, and Malaria PCR reporting.
-An overview of RDT’s, LAMP, Malaria PCR, composition, false negativity and positivity, limitation and sensitivity.
- Suggestive comments on reporting the above.
- The performance, role and significance of thick and thin films.
- Interpretation of some case studies.
- A suggestive malaria diagnostic algorithm.