Comparative analysis of four malaria diagnostic tools and implications for malaria treatment in southwestern Nigeria

ObjectivesOne of the problems encountered in malaria control and elimination is inaccurate diagnosis, resulting from degree sensitivity different diagnostic tools. Even though microscopy remains gold standard for more sensitive robust tools such as polymerase chain reactions (PCR) are used research settings to monitor interventions track sub-microscopic infections due some drawbacks microscopy. Since diagnosis a critical determinant rational treatment, it imperative that accurate must be assured an effective treatment plan. Therefore, this study compared two routinely point care with molecular discussed their implication treatment.DesignIn study, 436 individuals suspected were sampled systematically tested using four methods, namely rapid test (henceforth referred RDT- mRDT), microscopy, nested PCR (nPCR), quantitative (qPCR). Test sensitivities specificities compared, level concordance was determined.ResultsWith nPCR standard, false positivity rate 42.2%, 8.9%, 57.8% obtained mRDT, qPCR. Similarly, negativity rates 12.5%, 62.5%, 0.8% each methods mentioned above, respectively. Of all assessed, qPCR gave highest (99.2%) moderate specificity (42.2%), followed by mRDT kit (87.5%).ConclusionsWith detection high based on substantial proportion carriers area nested/quantitative PCR, we recommend these should specialized laboratories within region (i) treat prevent contribution transmission; (ii) provide reliable epidemiological data throughput testing evaluating interventions.