SENSITIVE ELISA DIPSTICK TEST FOR THE DETECTION OF CHLOROQUINE IN URINE UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS

OBJECTIVE TO evaluate a new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) dipstick test for detecting chloroquine (CQ) in urine in a malaria-end emic region of north-western Namibia. METHOD Urine samples from 92 pat ients attending the outpatient department of Kamhaku Hospital with sus pected malaria infection were tested for CQ with both the Dill-Glazko test and the ELISA. dipstick test. Results were compared to the histor y of CQ intake as documented in the patients' health passes. RESULTS T he dipstick test proved an easy-to-handle and very sensitive tool for the detection of CB with a lower limit of detection at 120 nmol/l. It showed high agreement with the history of CQ intake within the last 6 months. The specificity in a negative control group was 100%. The Dill -Glazko test was far less sensitive and specific with a lower detectio n limit of 150 mu mol/l. CONCLUSION The dipstick test can be used in p harmacological studies to evaluate the use of CQ, and as an inclusion criterion for in vivo and in vitro sensitivity tests, whereas the Dill -Glazko test is appropriate to test compliance during and a few days a fter CQ intake.