Comparison of Different Methods for Diagnosis of Malarial Parasites.

ABSTRACT

The study aims to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of different methods for diagnosis of malarial infection. Total 200 blood samples were collected in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) Vacutainer tube from clinically suspected malaria patients. Each sample was processed as thick and thin smear stained with Leishman’s stain for light microscopic examination, quantitative buffy coat test and rapid malarial antigen (HRP II and pLDH) test. The detection rate of malarial parasites by microscopic examination was 13.5%, quantitative buffy coat test was 18% and rapid malarial antigen (HRP II and pLDH) test was 20%. Thus, findings of microscopic examination must be compared with other more sensitive methods for confirmation of malaria. This will help early detection, proper diagnosis and treatment of malaria.