Immunochromatographic test for Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Medani, central Sudan

ABSTRACT

the aim of this study was to evaluate the newly introduced immunochromatographic test [ICT] for falciparum malaria. The measurement of the disappearance time of the falciparum specific antigen [Pf HRP-2] following the eradication of malaria was included in the study. the study included 35 patients, 18 males and 17 females, with an age range of 12-55 years selected by experienced physicians. 31 of the patients were positive for P. falciparum both by ICT and microscopy. Two were positive by microscopy and negative by ICT; these proved to be due to P. vivax and were excluded from the study. One case was positive by ICT and negative by microscopy. This case responded very well to antimalarial treatment. The final case was negative by microscopy and ICT and was excluded from the study. Cases were treated with the antimalarials chloroquine, fansidar, quinine, and the new Chinese herbal antimalarial, artemether. Overall the Pf HRP-2 disappeared in 80% of the cases during immediately after, or 3 days after the end of the treatment. Conclusions: this study confirms other reports that ICT is sensitive, specific, and easily performed. The disappearance time of the Pf HRP-2 antigen raises interesting points regarding the epidemiology and the follow up of malaria cases