A RAPID IMMUNOCHROMATOGRAPHIC TEST (ICT) FOR DIAGNOSIS OF PLASMODIUM-FALCIPARUM

A field study was conducted to assess the sensitivity and specificity of vapid immunodiagnostic test based on detection of Plasmodium falcip arum histidine-rich protein-2 (PfHRP-2) in peripheral blood for diagno sis of P. falciparum infection. Evaluation in 173 patients showed that the assay seas 98.59% sensitive and 97.1% specific. There was no cros s-reactivity with P. vivax. The test teas positive in few patients who were found to be negative by microscopy showing the presence of antig en after curative chemotherapy. The test is a valuable diagnostic tool for falciparum malaria, especially in emergency field situations requ iring rapid diagnosis. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.