title: Use of a pLDH-based dipstick in the diagnostic and therapeutic follow-up of malaria patients in Mali.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Malaria is a major public health problem in Mali and diagnosis is typically based on microscopy. Microscopy requires a well trained technician, a reliable power source, a functioning microscope and adequate supplies. The scarcity of resources of community health centres (CHC) does not allow for such a significant investment in only one aspect of malaria control. In this context, Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) may improve case management particularly in remote areas.
  
  
  METHODS
  This multicentre study included 725 patients simultaneously screened with OptiMal-IT test and thick smears for malaria parasite detection. While evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of choroquine in 2 study sites, we compared the diagnostic values of thick smear microscopy to OptiMal-IT test applying the WHO 14 days follow-up scheme using samples collected from 344 patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The sensitivity and the specificity of OptiMal-IT compared to thick smear was 97.2% and 95.4%, whereas the positive and negative predictive values were 96.7 and 96.1%, respectively. The percent agreement between the two diagnostic tests was 0.93. The two tests were comparable in detecting malaria at day 0, day 3 and day 14. The only difference was observed at day 7 due to high gametocytemia. Subjectively, health care providers found OptiMal-IT easier to use and store under field conditions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  OptiMal-IT test revealed similar results when compared to microscopy which is considered the gold standard for malaria diagnostics. The test was found to have a short processing time and was easier to use. These advantages may improve malaria case management by providing a diagnostic and drug efficacy follow-up tool to peripheral health centres with limited resources.
authors: Malaria Research and Training Center, Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Bamako, Mali.
authors: Amed
authors: A
authors: Ouattara
authors: Safiatou
authors: S
authors: Doumbo
authors: Renion
authors: R
authors: Saye
authors: Abdoul H
authors: AH
authors: Beavogui
authors: Boubacar
authors: B
authors: Traoré
authors: Abdoulaye
authors: A
authors: Djimdé
authors: Amadou
authors: A
authors: Niangaly
authors: Kassoum
authors: K
authors: Kayentao
authors: Mouctar
authors: M
authors: Diallo
authors: Ogobara K
authors: OK
authors: Doumbo
authors: Mahamadou A
authors: MA
authors: Thera
mesh_terms: D000962:Antimalarials / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002738:Chloroquine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008288:Malaria / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008302:Mali; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D010274:Parasitology / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D000962:Antimalarials; D002738:Chloroquine