An innovative tool for moving malaria PCR detection of parasite reservoir into the field
Abstract
Background: To achieve the goal of malaria elimination in low transmission areas such as in Cambodia, new, inexpensive, high-throughput diagnostic tools for identifying very low parasite densities in asymptomatic carriers are required. This will enable a switch from passive to active malaria case detection in the field. Methods: DNA extraction and real-time PCR assays were implemented in an 'in-house' designed mobile laboratory allowing implementation of a robust, sensitive and rapid malaria diagnostic strategy in the field. This tool was employed in a survey organized in the context of the MalaResT project (NCT01663831). Results: The real-time PCR screening and species identification assays were performed in the mobile laboratory between October and November 2012, in Rattanakiri Province, Cambodia, to screen approximately 5,000 individuals in less than four weeks and treat parasite carriers within 24-48 hours after sample collection. An average of 240 clinical samples (and 40 quality control samples) was tested every day, six/seven days per week. Some 97.7% of the results were available
Citation
Canier, L.; Khim, N.; Kim, S.; Sluydts, V.; Heng, S.; Dourng, D.; Eam, R.; Chy, S.; Khean, C.; Loch, K.; Ken, M.; Lim, H.; Siv, S.; Tho, S.; Masse-Navette, P.; Gryseels, C.; Uk, S.; van Roey, K.; Grietens, K.P.; Sokny, M.; Thavrin, B.; Chuor, C.M.; Deubel, V.; Durnez, L.; Coosemans, M.; Ménard, D. An innovative tool for moving malaria PCR detection of parasite reservoir into the field. Malaria Journal (2013) 12: 405. [DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-405]
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An innovative tool for moving malaria PCR detection of parasite reservoir into the field