scholarly journals Clinical overlap between malaria and pneumonia: can malaria rapid diagnostic test play a role?

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (03) ◽  
pp. 199-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kingsley Nnanna Ukwaja ◽  
Olufemi B Aina ◽  
Ademola A Talabi
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Test ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Test ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Symptom Overlap

Introduction: Malaria and pneumonia account for 40% of mortality among children under five years of age in sub-Saharan Africa. Due to lack of diagnostic facilities, their management is based on the integrated management of childhood illnesses (IMCI) strategy. Symptoms of malaria and pneumonia overlap in African children, necessitating dual IMCI classifications at health centres and treatment with both antibiotics and antimalarials. This study determined the prevalence of malaria-pneumonia symptom overlap and confirmed the diagnosis of malaria in these cases using a rapid diagnostic test. Methodology: Consecutive consultations of 1,216 children (two months to five years old) were documented over a three-month period in a comprehensive health centre. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests were conducted only for children who had symptom overlap. Results: Of the 1,216 children enrolled, 1,090 (90%) reported cough or fever. Among the children fulfilling the malaria case definition, 284 (30%) also met the pneumonia case definition. Twenty-three percent (284) of all children enrolled met the criteria for both malaria and pneumonia. However, only 130 (46%) of them had a positive result for malaria using a malaria rapid diagnostic test. During a malaria-pneumonia overlap, female children (chi-square 5.9, P = 0.01) and children ≥ one year (chi-square 4.8, P = 0.003) were more likely to seek care within two days of fever. Conclusion: Dual treatment with antimalarials and antibiotics in children with malaria-pneumonia overlap may result in unnecessary over-prescription of antimalarial medications. Use of rapid diagnostic tests in their management can potentially avoid over-prescribing of malaria medications.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Pfhrp2 and Pfhrp3 Gene Deletions in Plasmodium Falciparum Isolates and their Performance of Hrp2 Based Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests in Three Districts of Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 22-30
Author(s):  
Aquel Rene Lopez
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Diagnostic Test ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Test ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
False Negative ◽  
False Negative Rate ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test ◽  
Exon 2 ◽  
Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests

Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (MRDTs) are important for malaria disease management. However, the performance of the RDTs is affected when the targeted antigens in the parasite have a variation or are altogether absent. The most common parasite target antigen in RDTs, Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2), has been reported to be absent in some P. falciparum parasites. 371 patient samples, from Akuapem North (58.5%), Atiwa East (21.3%), and from New Juaben (20.2%), were used in the study. PCR provided the highest number, 14.8% (55/371), of positive detections for falciparum infections. Microscopy detected parasites in 20/261 (7.7%) samples, and the minimum parasite density by microscopy was 430 parasites/µL. Out of the 371 samples, 27 (7.3%) were positive by RDT. The highest RDT positivity rate, 13.3% (10/75), was observed at New Juaben. False-negative RDT results were obtained in 43/55 (78.2%) of the negative branded RDT kits. Only two microscopies positive sample were RDT positive. Using 18SrDNA PCR, 55 (14.8%) samples were positive for P. falciparum. In Akuapem North, 79.2 % (19/24) of the PCR positive samples had P. falciparum parasites that lacked exon 2 of PFHRP2. An overall RDT positivity rate of 7.3% (27/371) and false-negative rate of 78.2% (43/55) were observed for the study sites. Plasmodium falciparum parasite populations with deletions of the PFHRP2 and PFHRP3 genes are present in Ghana. There is an urgent need to investigate the prevalence and geographic distribution of these parasites. Keywords: Histidine Rich Protien (HRP), Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (MRDT), Malaria, Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT).

scholarly journals Field Evaluation of Cholkit Rapid Diagnostic Test for Vibrio Cholerae O1 During a Cholera Outbreak in Malawi, 2018

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Innocent Chibwe ◽  
Watipaso Kasambara ◽  
Mathews Kagoli ◽  
Harry Milala ◽  
Charity Gondwe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vibrio Cholerae ◽  
Diagnostic Test ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Test ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Field Evaluation ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Cholera Outbreak ◽  
Vibrio Cholerae O1

Abstract Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for cholera are an important emerging tool for surveillance, yet the currently available tests have several limitations. We assess the performance of a new RDT, Cholkit, during a cholera outbreak in Malawi compared with culture and find a sensitivity of 93.0% (95% CI, 83.0%–98.1%) and a specificity of 95.7% (95% CI, 78.1%–100.0%).

Exploring the willingness to adopt rapid diagnostic tests to improve antimicrobial medicine use amongst Tanzanian livestock farmers

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Florida Mkenda ◽  
Henry Buller ◽  
Ann Bruce
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Test ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Test ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Willingness To Adopt

This article deals with the challenge of addressing antimicrobial resistance in resource-poor countries. It explores the possibilities of using rapid diagnostic tests to improve animal health management and treatment, particularly in situations where laboratory veterinary infrastructure is limited. Using data from a survey undertaken in 2018, three composite variables, i.e. perceived usefulness, compatibility with existing practices and ease of use, derived from the Model of Technological Acceptance and Diffusion Innovation Theory are used to analyse the perceived characteristics and values of rapid diagnostic test devices for farmers. Results suggest smallholder farmers’ willingness to adopt and use the tests provided they are affordable, easy to use and suitable to their local conditions – a common referential being mobile phones. While such tests have the potential to improve how antibiotics are used in smallholder farms, they are more likely to instigate more general improvements in how treatment decisions are made without necessarily reducing unnecessary antimicrobial use. The adoption may also imply a diminishing need for traditional veterinary services, thus making farmers more self-sufficient in animal health care. Farmers also seem to be more concerned by false negatives leading to sick animals missing vital treatment than by false positives where drugs will be administered to healthy animals. Overall promoting rapid diagnostic test technologies inevitably calls for new controls and regulations.

scholarly journals Malaria rapid diagnostic test (HRP2/pLDH) positivity, incidence, care accessibility and impact of community WASH Action programme in DR Congo: mixed method study involving 625 households

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nlandu Roger Ngatu ◽  
Basilua Andre Muzembo ◽  
Nattadech Choomplang ◽  
Sakiko Kanbara ◽  
Roger Wumba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Diagnostic Test ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Test ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Malaria Incidence ◽  
Control Site ◽  
Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Referral Hospitals ◽  
Action Programme

Abstract Background Malaria is one of the most prevalent and deadliest illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite recent gains made towards its control, many African countries still have endemic malaria transmission. This study aimed to assess malaria burden at household level in Kongo central province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the impact of community participatory Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Action programme. Methods Mixed method research was conducted in two semi-rural towns, Mbanza-Ngungu (a WASH action site) and Kasangulu (a WASH control site) in DRC between 1 January 2017 through March 2018, involving 625 households (3,712 household members). Baseline and post-intervention malaria surveys were conducted with the use of World Bank/WHO Malaria Indicator Questionnaire. An action research consisting of a six-month study was carried out which comprised two interventions: a community participatory WASH action programme aiming at eliminating mosquito breeding areas in the residential environment and a community anti-malaria education campaign. The latter was implemented at both study sites. In addition, baseline and post-intervention malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) was performed among the respondents. Furthermore, a six-month hospital-based epidemiological study was conducted at selected referral hospitals at each site from 1 January through June 2017 to determine malaria trend. Results Long-lasting insecticide-treated net (LLIN) was the most commonly used preventive measure (55%); 24% of households did not use any measures. Baseline malaria survey showed that 96% of respondents (heads of households) reported at least one episode occurring in the previous six months; of them only 66.5% received malaria care at a health setting. In the Action Research, mean incident household malaria cases decreased significantly at WASH action site (2.3 ± 2.2 cases vs. 1.2 ± 0.7 cases, respectively; p < 0.05), whereas it remained unchanged at the Control site. Similar findings were observed with RDT results. Data collected from referral hospitals showed high malaria incidence rate, 67.4%. Low household income (ORa = 2.37; 95%CI: 1.05–3.12; p < 0.05), proximity to high risk area for malaria (ORa = 5.13; 95%CI: 2–29-8.07; p < 0.001), poor WASH (ORa = 4.10; 95%CI: 2.11–7.08; p < 0.001) were predictors of household malaria. Conclusion This research showed high prevalence of positive malaria RDT among the responders and high household malaria incidence, which were reduced by a 6-month WASH intervention. DRC government should scale up malaria control strategy by integrating efficient indoor and outdoor preventive measures and improve malaria care accessibility.

scholarly journals Blood Transfusion Service and Hospital Blood Rotation: The Implications on Transfusion Safety in Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-24
Author(s):  
O D Damulak ◽  
E D Jatau ◽  
E Ekam ◽  
E Rumji ◽  
R Yakubu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Transfusion ◽  
Diagnostic Test ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Test ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Blood Donation ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Blood Transfusion Service ◽  
First Time

Blood donation is not readily an altruistic sacrifice in sub-Saharan Africa where microbial infections, maternal haemorrhages, malaria and other tropical diseases that frequently require blood transfusion are daily diagnoses. Blood transfusion safety is hindered by the combined prevailing high rate of Transfusion-Transmissible Infections (TTIs) and poor screening techniques. This study determined the rate of Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) positive reactions to transfusion-transmissible infections in rapid diagnostic test negative family replacement blood units, compared to the first time voluntarily donated blood. We studied records of blood units collected in a tertiary hospital from donors who scaled pre-donation Rapid diagnostic test (RDT) screening for the human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses and syphilis and rescreened by ELISA techniques at the National Blood Transfusion Service Centre in Jos, along with units from first-time voluntary blood donors. A total of 19562 blood units; 5945 (30.39%) rapid diagnostic tests negative from a linkage hospital and 13617 (69.61%) from first time voluntary donors were screened by ELISA methods for HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis. The overall TTIs detected by ELISA was 16.08%, significantly lower among pre-donation rapid screened family replacement blood donors [495(8.32%)] compared to 2651 (19.47%) among first-time voluntary donors; P=0.0001. Fifty-seven (0.96%) HIV, 166 (2.79%) HBV, 137 (2.31%) HCV and 137 (2.31%) syphilis were still detected respectively by ELISA in the pre-screened negative family replacement blood units. The outcome of ELISA screenings of blood collected from first-time volunteer donors were; 143 (1.05%) HIV, 1,486 (10.91%) HBV, 683 (5.02%) HCV, and 339 (2.49%) syphilis. Blood for transfusion should be screened negative at least with ELISA.

scholarly journals Improving Accuracy of Malaria Diagnosis in Underserved Rural and Remote Endemic Areas of Sub-Saharan Africa: A Call to Develop Multiplexing Rapid Diagnostic Tests

Scientifica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasheed O. Makanjuola ◽  
Andrew W. Taylor-Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Hot Spot ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Patient Treatment ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Effective Diagnosis

Clinical infection with malaria, caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, is considered a serious medical condition with the potential to become a life-threatening emergency. This is especially relevant to low-income countries in tropical and subtropical regions of the world where high rates of malaria-related morbidity and mortality are recorded. As a means to combat this major global public health threat, rapid and effective diagnosis remains the frontline action to initiate a timely and appropriate medical intervention. From all the approaches to parasite detection, rapid diagnostic tests, so-called RDTs, are the easiest to use and most cost-effective. However, some of the limitations inherent in this methodology could hinder effective patient treatment. A primary drawback is that the vast majority of commercially available RDTs detect only one of the five species of human malaria, P. falciparum. While this is the main cause of infection in many areas, it excludes the possibility of infection with another parasite (P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi) or of mixed infections containing different species. Hence, a diagnosis of non-P. falciparum malaria is missed. In turn, in resource-constrained settings where optimal microscopy is not available, a misdiagnosis of bacterial infection based on signs and symptoms alone often results in an inappropriate prescription of antibiotics. Here, we discuss how effective diagnosis of malaria and indiscriminate use of antibiotics in sub-Saharan Africa, a hot spot for P. falciparum transmission, may both be addressed by the development of innovative multiplexing RDTs that detect two or more species of Plasmodium.

scholarly journals Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDTs)

2018 ◽  
Vol 06 (04) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu ◽  
Chijioke UO ◽  
Ekelozie IS
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Test ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Test ◽  
Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test
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