Evaluation of the ICT Malaria Pf test for rapid post-mortem diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in corpses examined for forensic reasons

To test the diagnostic value of a rapid and simple immunochromatographic te st (ICT) based on the detection of Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich pro tein 2 (PfHRP2) for post-mortem examination, blood samples from 30 consecut ive corpses were analysed by ICT and Giemsa-stained blood films. Compared t o microscopy, ICT had 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity even after a co nsiderable time had passed between the presumed time of death and testing o r after prolonged storage of whole blood samples. The ICT yielded positive results for four travellers who had returned from Kenya and died from Pl. f alciparum malaria. The ICT might therefore serve as an additional tool for rapid malaria diagnosis, especially in non-endemic countries where experien ce with microscopic malaria detection is limited.