Diagnostic Efficiencies of the Partec CyScope® Rapid Test in Comparison to Light Microscopy for Malaria in Rural Tole, Southwest Cameroon: New Perspective | Chapter 11 | New Insights into Disease and Pathogen Research Vol. 5

Introduction/Aim: Malaria is a major public health problem and can lead to fatal consequences within few days if not diagnosed and promptly treated. The aim of this study was to determine the malaria parasite prevalence and assess the performance characteristics of the Partec CyScope® rapid diagnostic test (RDT) in Tole. Experimental Design, Place and Duration of Study: The study was a cross-sectional survey, carried out in Tole, Southwest Cameroon in July 2014.   Methodology: A total of 231 children were studied. Information on demographic data, temperature and malaria risk factors was recorded. Capillary blood was collected by finger pricking. Thick and thin blood films were prepared for malaria parasite detection and speciation. Ten µL of blood was added unto the DAPI coated slides and read under the Partec CyScope®. Haemoglobin values were determined. Results and Conclusion: The overall prevalences of malaria parasites, fever and anaemia were 66.2%, 35.9% and 86.6% respectively. Although not statistically significant, malaria parasite prevalence was highest in children aged 1 – 5 years, higher in females, those that had stagnant water and bushes around their homes as well as those who did not use insecticide-treated bed nets and insecticide residual spraying when compared with their respective counterparts. Overall geometric mean parasite density (GMPD) was 3691 (range = 100 - 48000) parasites/µL of blood). GMPD was significantly higher (P = 0.03) in febrile than afebrile children. Prevalence of anaemia was significantly higher (P = 0.01) in malaria positive (68.5%) than negative (45.2%) children. More cases of infections were detected by light microscopy than by Partec CyScope®. The sensitivities and specificities of Partec CyScope® were 87.6% (CI = 81.4-91.1%) and 94.9% (CI = 87.5-98.0%) respectively while the positive and negative predictive values were 97.1% and 79.6% respectively. Partec CyScope® can therefore be used for mass malaria surveillance.

Author (s)  Details

Dr. Judith Lum Ndamukong-Nyanga,
Department of Biological Sciences, Higher Teachers Training College, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon and Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Biaka University Institute Buea, P.O.Box 77, Buea, SWR, Cameroon.

Prof. Helen Kuokuo Kimbi,
3Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, N.W. Region, Cameroon.

Ass. Prof. Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele,
Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O.Box 63, Buea, SWR, Cameroon

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