Topic:

Diagnostics

Abstract No.:

ISE.344

Title:

Rapid diagnosis of clinical malaria using plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase

Author(s):

M. Kulkarni, G. S. Vijay Kumar; JSS Medical College and Hospital, Microbiology, Mysore/IN

Abstract:

Background: Simple, rapid and accurate tests are now available for diagnosis of malaria. The objective of this study is to evaluate pLDH immunochromatographic assay (optiMAL) for rapid diagnosis of Malaria in comparison to peripheral blood smear (PBS) and quantitative buffy coat (QBC).
Methods: The study population consisted of 103 children clinically suspected of malaria. After obtaining the clinical history and examination of patients, blood samples from them were subjected to PBS, QBC and optiMAL test. Symptoms, signs, nutritional status, HB percentage, platelet counts and WBC counts in these patients were compared and analyzed. Cases available for follow up were subjected to repeat tests and test positivity was correlated to presence of clinical symptoms and signs.
Results: A total of 60 cases of malaria were detected by PBS/QBC/optiMAL. PBS was positive for 59 cases, QBC for 58 cases and optiMAL for 60. 14 cases of P. falciparum and 44 of P. vivax were detected. optiMAL was found useful to differentiate the species better as compared to PBS and QBC. It correlated better in follow up cases with clinical malaria as it detects only viable parasites.
Conclusion: LDH detection by optiMAL test can be used as a simple, accurate, useful tool in diagnosis of malaria. It is found better than QBC and PBS for differentiation of species and positivity is related to presence of clinical malaria.