Detection and differentiation of Plasmodium species by polymerase chain reaction and colorimetric detection in blood samples of patients with suspected malaria.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is now recognized as a sensitive and specific method for detecting Plasmodium species in blood. In this study, we tested 279 blood samples, from patients with suspected malaria, by a PCR assay utilizing species-specific colorimetric detection, and compared the results to light microscopy. Overall, both assays were in agreement for 270 of the 279 specimens. P. vivax was detected in 131 (47.0%) specimens, P. falciparum in 64 (22.9%) specimens, P. ovale in 6 (2.1%) specimens, and P. malariae in 5 (1.8%) specimens. Both P. falciparum and P. vivax were detected in a further 10 (3.6%) specimens, and 54 (19.3%) specimens were negative by both assays. In the remaining nine specimens, microscopy either failed to detect the parasite or incorrectly identified the species present. In summary, the sensitivity, specificity and simplicity of the PCR assay makes it particularly suitable for use in a diagnostic laboratory.
Whiley
David M
DM
Clinical Virology Research Unit, Sir Albert Sakzewski Virus Research Centre, Clinical Medical Virology Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
LeCornec
Genevera M
GM
Baddeley
Annette
A
Savill
John
J
Syrmis
Melanie W
MW
Mackay
Ian M
IM
Siebert
David J
DJ
Burns
Dominic
D
Nissen
Michael
M
Sloots
Theo P
TP
D000818:Animals; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D001483:Base Sequence; D003124:Colorimetry; D015342:DNA Probes; D019353:Endemic Diseases; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008853:Microscopy; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010961:Plasmodium / Q000145:classification* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D015342:DNA Probes