title: Evaluation of the Binax NOW ICT test versus polymerase chain reaction and microscopy for the detection of malaria in returned travelers.
abstract: Microscopic detection of Plasmodium species has been the reference standard for the diagnosis of malaria for more than a century. However, maintaining a sufficient level of expertise in microscopic diagnosis can be challenging, particularly in non-endemic countries. The objective of this study was to compare a new rapid malaria diagnostic device (NOW ICT Malaria Test; Binax, Inc., Portland, ME) to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and expert microscopy for the diagnosis of malaria in 256 febrile returned travelers. Compared with PCR, the NOW ICT test showed a sensitivity of 94% for the detection of P. falciparum malaria (96% for pure P. falciparum infection) and 84% for non-P. falciparum infections (87% for pure P. vivax infections and 62% for pure P. ovale and P. malariae infections), with an overall specificity of 99%. The Binax NOW ICT may represent a useful adjunct for the diagnosis of P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria in febrile returned travelers.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Gabriella A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Farcas
authors.forename: Kathleen J Y
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Zhong
authors.forename: Fiona E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Lovegrove
authors.forename: Christopher M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.forename: Kevin C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Kain
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008288:Malaria / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D010966:Plasmodium vivax / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000592:standards*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / Q000592:standards; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014195:Travel
chemical_list: D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic