Comparison of an immuno-chromatographic technique-based kit (Malaria card) with microscopy for rapid diagnosis of malaria in and around Loni, Maharashtra
Gupta, A.K.
Journal of Communicable Diseases 43(2): 121-125
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5138 PMID: 23785869 Document Number: 654998
Although Plasmodium vivax is the major species responsible for malaria in most parts of India, P. falciparum infections have now increasingly been reported from some parts of India. A study was therefore, undertaken to compare immuno-chromatographic technique (ICT) based Malaria card test with microscopic examination of peripheral blood film in diagnosis of malaria in and around Loni, Maharashtra. A total of 143 (about 24%) samples of 590 febrile patients tested were detected positive for malarial infection- 74 samples for P. vivax (approx. 52%) and 69 for P. falciparum (approx. 48%). With Malaria card test, the sensitivity and specificity of 93.8% and 92.6% were recorded for P. vivax and 95.2% and 95.5% for P. falciparum, respectively. Therefore, the test is a valuable adjunct in an emergency for rapid diagnosis of malaria, though microscopy remains the mainstay for routine use in countries, like India.