Evaluation of a new Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase assay (OptiMAL-IT) for the detection of malaria.
The new OptiMAL-IT(R) rapid diagnostic test for malaria was evaluated in 271 patients in Thailand with uncomplicated malaria between June and July 2002. The sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum parasites were 88% and 92%, respectively. For species other than P. falciparum, the sensitivity was 65% and specificity was 99%. The performance of the new test decreased markedly at low levels of parasitaemia.
Pattanasin
S
S
Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, PO Box 46, Mae Sod 63110, Thailand. smru@tropmedres.ac
Proux
S
S
Chompasuk
D
D
Luwiradaj
K
K
Jacquier
P
P
Looareesuwan
S
S
Nosten
F
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004796:Clinical Enzyme Tests / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000097:blood; D008288:Malaria / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018512:Parasitemia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase