Use of the Parasight (R)-F diagnostic test for imported malaria in a travel clinic

The Parasight (R) -F test based on the detection of a soluble antigen speci fic for Plasmodium falciparum is designed for the immediate diagnosis of ma laria infection. We evaluated its use by clinicians during consultations. T his prospective study of its diagnostic utility in febrile patients consult ing a travel clinic on their return from areas endemic for malaria was cond ucted between May 1996 and May 1997. The Parasight (R) -F test was performe d by the clinician with confirmation by means of standard microscopic exami nation of venous blood. One-hundred and forty patients were enrolled. Forty -three (31%) cases of malaria were identified by microscopic examination. T hirty-eight were due to P. falciparum. The Parasight (R) -F tests yielded 6 false-positive and 3 false-negative results compared to the microscopic fi ndings. The specificity and sensitivity for the diagnosis of P. falciparum malaria were 94% and 92%. These results show that the Parasight (R) -F test alone cannot replace microscopic diagnosis of malaria in travel clinics.