Thakor H G
Samprat' (AIDS) Prevention Group, Surat.
J Indian Med Assoc. 2000 Oct;98(10):623-7.
Malaria particularly falciparum malaria is a major public health problem in India. Its correct and early diagnosis is very important for prompt treatment as a preventive and control measure. Microscopy is the traditional method for laboratory diagnosis of malaria, which is used widely. However, it is time consuming, needs expertism and the detection limit is 10-20 parasites/ml blood in thick film and 100 parasites/ml blood in thin film. Quantitative buffy coat technique (QBC) is highly sensitive method but expensive equipment is needed for this test. The serological methods involving antibody detection give information regarding exposure to malaria but do not differentiate between present and past infections. Genetic probes and PCR are highly sensitive methods but require expensive equipments. Parasite antigen detection tests are useful in field and PHC level for rapid diagnosis of P falciparum malaria.LDH based test for diagnosing malaria is sensitive but can not differentiate between species. For monitoring of drug resistance or follow-up of patients, methods which can quantify parasitaemia are needed. Simply microscopy is the best solution at present.
疟疾，尤其是恶性疟，是印度一个主要的公共卫生问题。其正确且早期的诊断对于作为预防和控制措施的及时治疗非常重要。显微镜检查是疟疾实验室诊断的传统方法，应用广泛。然而，它耗时，需要专业知识，厚血膜的检测限为每毫升血液10 - 20个疟原虫，薄血膜为每毫升血液100个疟原虫。定量血沉棕黄层技术（QBC）是一种高度敏感的方法，但该检测需要昂贵的设备。涉及抗体检测的血清学方法可提供有关疟疾暴露的信息，但无法区分当前感染和既往感染。基因探针和聚合酶链反应（PCR）是高度敏感的方法，但需要昂贵的设备。寄生虫抗原检测试验在现场和初级卫生保健层面对于快速诊断恶性疟很有用。基于乳酸脱氢酶（LDH）的疟疾诊断试验很敏感，但无法区分疟原虫种类。为了监测耐药性或对患者进行随访，需要能够定量疟原虫血症的方法。目前单纯的显微镜检查是最佳解决方案。
