Analysis of false-negative rapid diagnostic tests for symptomatic malaria in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The majority of Plasmodium falciparum malaria diagnoses in Africa are made using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that detect histidine-rich protein 2. Increasing reports of false-negative RDT results due to parasites with deletions of the pfhrp2 and/or pfhrp3 genes (pfhrp2/3) raise concern about existing malaria diagnostic strategies. We previously identified pfhrp2-negative parasites among asymptomatic children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), but their impact on diagnosis of symptomatic malaria is unknown.

Field efficacy and acceptability of PermaNet® 3.0 and OlysetNet® in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Background & Objectives: Insecticide resistance in mosquitoes at Kinshasa may jeopardize the efficacy and usage of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). Entomological impact, user acceptance and bioefficacy of a combination LLIN (PermaNet® 3.0) and a standard LLIN (OlysetNet®) were evaluated at two sites in Kinshasa characterized by high densities of either Anopheles gambiae s.