Diagnostic and prognostic utility of rapid strip (OptiMal and Paracheck) versus conventional smear microscopy in adult patients of acute, uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Mumbai, India.
OBJECTIVE
The present study compared the diagnostic and prognostic utility of two rapid tests the (Paracheck and OptiMal) versus conventional smear microscopy.


METHODS
Using two independent microscopists we carried out the three tests in 31 adult cases of smear positive, acute, uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. All three tests were done pretreatment, and on Days 8, 15 and 29.


RESULTS
Compared to microscopy, the Paracheck had a sensitivity of 100%, while the OptiMal had a sensitivity of 83.7%. The lower sensitivity of OptiMal resulted from misidentification by both microscopists of 6/31 cases as Plasmodium vivax. As a follow up tool, the OptiMal was better than Paracheck, due to the earlier disappearance of the parasite LDH. Also in the Paracheck, between microscopists, there was a significant difference in reading the tests, on Days 8 and 15.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study reiterates, the continued utility of conventional smear microscopy.
Gogtay
N J
NJ
Advanced Centre for Research in Clinical Pharmacology, Indian Council of Medical Research.
Dalvi
S S
SS
Rajgor
D
D
Chogle
A R
AR
Karnad
D R
DR
Ramdas
M
M
Aigal
U
U
Kshirsagar
N A
NA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000032:analysis*; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000201:enzymology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012698:Serologic Tests / Q000379:methods*; D000099053:Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein
D011506:Proteins; D015800:Protozoan Proteins; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D000099053:Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase