Self-testing for falciparum malaria with antigen-capture cards by travelers with symptoms of malaria.
Kits for self-diagnosis of malaria by travelers in remote areas have been advocated. Antigen-capture test cards work reliably in the laboratory, but there is limited data regarding self-testing by ill patients. One hundred and fifty-three symptomatic patients presenting for a malaria test attempted self-diagnosis using these kits. Nine percent failed to perform a valid test. Against blood-film proven malaria, specificity was 97% (95% confidence intervals [CI] 93-99%) and sensitivity 95% (95% CI 74-99%). Although these results are encouraging, technical problems need to be addressed and test sensitivity proven by additional field-testing before this technology can be marketed to travelers.
Whitty CJM
Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Mortimer Market Centre, London, United Kingdom.
Armstrong
M
M
Behrens
R H
RH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan / Q000097:blood*; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000276:immunology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012646:Self Administration; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014195:Travel
D000953:Antigens, Protozoan