Quality and reliability of current malaria diagnostic methods

Abstract

Malaria is a life threatening disease with a major impact on global health. The WHO declared an early diagnosis as one of the most important steps to fight the disease. The quality and the reliability of test results depend on the diagnostic tools used. Not every test meets the needs in every situation. PCR tests have the best sensitivity and specifity but are not as rapid as other tests and also due to the costs not available everywhere. The 'gold standard' method is to check stained blood slides, thick films require experienced persons to obtain correct results. So-called rapid tests are only additional tools no matter whether they are based on the detection of antigens, enzymes or plasmodial DNA by fluorescent staining. Some other blood bound markers may also provide a hint but are no sufficient tool for malaria diagnosis.