Techniques for the diagnosis of malaria

Abstract

Malaria is endemic in large parts of the world and is subject to control by health authorities. The microscopic examination of many thousands of blood films for parasites, an essential component of surveillance and control schemes, is a tedious and time-consuming task. In recent years research has been directed at alternative methods to improve the mass diagnosis of malaria. These include immunoassays for the detection of antigen and the use of genetic probes. The techniques at present available are reviewed and some of the merits and disadvantages of the various tests discussed.