Diagnostic performance of a rapid whole blood-based RT-LAMP method for malaria diagnosis among apparently healthy blood donors and febrile neonates in Cameroon

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246205
• Publication Date: 2021-01-28T19:35:19Z
• Authors: Sylvie Georgette ...; Laure Ngando; Elvige Nguekeng; Balotin Fogang; Marie Mafo Kapen; Styve Iruch Fopa; Marie Florence Biabi; Estelle Essangui; Jules Clement Ass...; Lawrence Ayong
• Keywords: Rapid diagnostic test; Concordance; Diagnosis of malaria

Light microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests are the two commonly used methods for malaria diagnosis that rely on direct use of unprocessed blood samples. However, both do not have level sensitivity required in cases low density parasitaemia. We report here performance a whole blood-based reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification method Plasmodium falciparum apparently healthy donors febrile neonates Cameroon. The presence parasites samples was determined by light microscopy, antigen-based test (RDT), RT-LAMP using “lyse amplify” experimental protocol. Of 256 tested, 36 (14.1%) were positive 38 (14.8%) RDT whereas 78 (30.5%) RT-LAMP. Only detected infection among (279 neonates, median age: 2 days, range: 1–9 days), with positivity rates 8.6% 12.2%, respectively. overall concordance between three 75.9% 75.1% RDT, 83.9% RDT. Blood parasite densities significantly lower (mean: 97.6, 61–192 parasites/μL) compared to 447.8, 63–11 000 parasites/μL). Together, study demonstrates usefulness pre-screening suspected avert severe consequences P . infections.