Global point of care
Malaria remains a significant global health threat which has become increasingly complicated due to factors like PfHRP2/3 gene deletion that led to HRP-2 based rapid tests false negatives, ultimately missing sick patients.1,2 Rapid tests that detect the malaria parasite that do not express the HRP protein may be able to help improve diagnosis.
Malaria remains a significant global health threat which has become increasingly complicated due to factors like PfHRP2/3 gene deletion that led to HRP-2 based rapid tests false negatives, ultimately missing sick patients.1,2 Rapid tests that detect the malaria parasite that do not express the HRP protein may be able to help improve diagnosis.
PfHRP2/3 gene deletion compromises the accuracy of diagnosis, increasing the risk of false-negative test results and hindering effective disease control and surveillance efforts.1,2
The good news? We’re working on next-generation malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that can help overcome PfHRP2/3 gene deletion issues and help create a healthier community.
Gene deletion is a genetic phenomenon in which a segment of DNA that encodes a specific gene is entirely missing or absent from an individual's genetic code. Gene deletions can occur naturally as a result of mutations during DNA replication or recombination, or they can be inherited. Depending on the gene affected and the role it plays in the parasite, gene deletions can have a wide range of consequences, such as causing genetic disorders, influencing susceptibility or resistance to certain infectious diseases like malaria, or impacting accuracy of diagnostic tests.3
HRP2-negative parasites present one of the most pressing global threats to the fight against malaria as they increase the risk of false negative test results.1 This is largely because HRP2-negative parasites cannot be detected by conventional malaria Pf RDTs, which target HRP2 only.2 Because many of the geographic locations impacted by these parasites rely on conventional RDT technology to effectively diagnose and guide treatment, many people could be misdiagnosed.5
Significant prevalence of HRP2-negative parasites has been shown in many countries. However, surveillance data is limited, making it difficult to raise awareness and help people understand the appropriate magnitude of this issue.4
Malaria can be diagnosed through various methods, depending on the availability of resources and healthcare settings.
A small amount of the patient's blood is smeared on a glass slide, stained with special dyes, and examined under a microscope. Trained laboratory technicians can identify the presence of Plasmodium parasites and determine the species of the parasite.6
RDTs are commonly used in areas with limited access to laboratory facilities. These are simple, portable test kits that detect specific malaria antigens in a patient's blood. They provide quick results, often within 15-20 minutes, and are especially useful in remote or resource-limited settings.6
PCR-based tests are highly sensitive and can detect very low levels of malaria parasites in a patient's blood. PCR tests are typically performed in a lab setting and results can take hours or days. They are particularly useful for research, surveillance, and in cases where a highly accurate diagnosis is required.6
Serological tests detect antibodies produced by the patient's immune system in response to a malaria infection. These tests are useful for epidemiological studies and can indicate past exposure to the parasite, but they are not typically used for diagnosing acute cases of malaria.6
Malaria can be diagnosed through various methods, depending on the availability of resources and healthcare settings.
A small amount of the patient's blood is smeared on a glass slide, stained with special dyes, and examined under a microscope. Trained laboratory technicians can identify the presence of Plasmodium parasites and determine the species of the parasite.6
RDTs are commonly used in areas with limited access to laboratory facilities. These are simple, portable test kits that detect specific malaria antigens in a patient's blood. They provide quick results, often within 15-20 minutes, and are especially useful in remote or resource-limited settings.6
PCR-based tests are highly sensitive and can detect very low levels of malaria parasites in a patient's blood. PCR tests are typically performed in a lab setting and results can take hours or days. They are particularly useful for research, surveillance, and in cases where a highly accurate diagnosis is required.6
Serological tests detect antibodies produced by the patient's immune system in response to a malaria infection. These tests are useful for epidemiological studies and can indicate past exposure to the parasite, but they are not typically used for diagnosing acute cases of malaria.6
In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) established a Master Surveillance Protocol for PFHRP2/3 Gene Deletions and Biobanking to support improved research and development of next generation testing technologies in malaria endemic countries.7
The Surveillance Protocol was primarily created to determine whether the local prevalence of deletions in the PFHRP2/3 genes causing false-negative conventional RDT results among symptomatic patients has reached a threshold that might require a national change in malaria RDTs.
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