Orok Akwaowo Bassey
Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Nigeria
Title: Accuracy of Plasmodium falciparum-histidine rich protein 2 (pfhrp2) antigen test and correlation with microscopy in detection of asymptomatic falciparum malaria in lagos state
Biography
Biography: Orok Akwaowo Bassey
Abstract
In malaria diagnosis and management, parasite-based detection by microscopy remains the cornerstone of diagnosis. However, lack of expertise in staining, slide reading and inability to detect sequestered parasites in deep capillaries are the common demerits of microscopy. Recently, the easy to use RDTs in the diagnosis of malaria have been adopted to overcome microscopy challenges. RDTs are now being used in homes and in Primary health care centers and the call to ensure precision and quality of services cannot be overemphasized. This study was carried out to determine the sensitivity and specificity of HRP2. A total of 142 (6-15 years) participants were tested. Inclusion criteria were participants with axillary body temperature, not ˃ 37.50C, Hemoglobin level not ˂ 13.0g/dl and White blood cells, not ˂4000/cm3. Two screening methods were used: Pf-HRP2 antigen and microscopy. Out of the 142 sample tested, 10 (21.1%) tested positive by HRP2 and, 12 (28.3%) by microscopy with sensitivity and specificity at 95% CI being 95.8% and 99.5% respectively (P=0.001). In conclusion, both methods show a diagnostic agreement in precision and reliability in the detection of asymptomatic falciparum malaria.