PCR as a confirmatory technique for laboratory diagnosis of malaria.
We compared a nested PCR assay and microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood films for detection and identification of Plasmodium spp. in blood specimens. PCR was more sensitive than microscopy and capable of identifying malaria parasites at the species level when microscopy was equivocal.
Johnston
Stephanie P
SP
Division of Parasitic Diseases, M.S. F-36, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3724, USA. sjohnston@cdc.gov
Pieniazek
Norman J
NJ
Xayavong
Maniphet V
MV
Slemenda
Susan B
SB
Wilkins
Patricia P
PP
da Silva
Alexandre J
AJ
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000235:genetics; D016054:DNA, Protozoan / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics; D017125:Genes, Protozoan; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology; D008853:Microscopy; D010274:Parasitology / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010961:Plasmodium / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013194:Staining and Labeling
D017931:DNA Primers; D016054:DNA, Protozoan