Evaluation of a rapid whole blood immuno-chromatographic P.F/P.V assay for the diagnosis of plasmodium falciparum and plasmodium vivax malaria

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using an immune chromatographic test which can detect both species of plasmodium present in Sri Lanka and to do a cost analysis of the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) as compared to microscopy. In a developing country such as ours with an already established laboratory network through out the country, it would be cheaper to use the thick and thin blood film for diagnosis of malaria, provided there are sufficient trained microscopes and prompt laboratory reporting. In areas where microscopy in not readily accessible, as there can be a delay in diagnosis and treatment of cases which contributes to the continuing transmission of disease and the build up of the infectious reservoir the rapid diagnostic test may be use. Using the band intensity as an indication of parasites density and clinical severity of disease in the case of P. vivax is rather limited by its subjective nature