Abstract

Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical factors in reducing morbidity and mortality, as delayed treatment of malaria increases the risk of death. Microscopy has long been the standard for malaria diagnosis. Diagnosis plays a vital role in early detection of malaria which is an essential prerequisite for control of the disease. In the present investigation, different detection techniques were used including microscopic analysis (Giemsa staining, Acridine Orange stain) and Quantitative Buffy Coat Analysis (QBC) and immunochromatographic test (ICT) as a rapid diagnostic test. This prospective study was undertaken for detection of malaria parasite in 565 patients suffering from fever and other constitutional symptoms. All the diagnostic tests like AO staining, Giemsa staining, and QBC have been compared with each other on the basis of their sensitivity and specificity. The QBC shows 100% specificity and sensitivity as compared to AO and Giemsa. Out of the 565 blood smears taken from patients coming from different endemic areas revealed 18 cases positive by Giemsa staining but 19 cases positive by AO and 21 were found to be positive by QBC. It may be difficult to determine whether the cases which are positive by AO but negative by Giemsa are true or false positive such questionable cases should perhaps be evaluated by third method, or perhaps the definition of ‘gold standard’ need to be modified. I have identified all the four species of Plasmodium, i.e; (P. vivax, P.falciparum, P.malariae and P.ovale) causes a different characteristic fever.

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