Background: The entry of PCR-based techniques into malaria diagnostics has improved the sensitivity and specificity of the detection of Plasmodium infections. It has been shown that humans are regularly infected by at least six different Plasmodium species. The MC004 real-time PCR assay for malaria diagnosis is a novel single-tube assay that has been developed for the purpose of simultaneously detecting all Plasmodium species known to infect humans, and discrimination between Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale wallikeri, Plasmodium ovale curtisi, Plasmodium knowlesi (including differentiation of three strains) and Plasmodium cynomolgi (including differentiation of three strains). Detection and identification of Plasmodium species relies on molecular beacon probe-based melting curve analysis. In addition, this assay might be used to quantify the parasitaemia of at least P. falciparum by calculating the level of parasitaemia directly from the Cq-value.
Methods: The samples used in this study comprised reference samples, patient samples, and synthetic controls. The following analytical performance characteristics of the MC004 assay were determined: analytical specificity, limit of detection, the ability to detect mixed infections, and the potential to determine the level of parasitaemia of P. falciparum, including assessment of within-run and between-run precisions.
Results: No false positive or false negative results were observed. The limit of detection of P. falciparum was 1 × 10 IU/mL (WHO standard). Mixed infections with P. falciparum and non-falciparum species were correctly identified. A calibration curve could be established to quantify the parasitaemia of at least P. falciparum. The within-run and between-run precisions were less than 20% CV at the tested parasitaemia levels of 0.09%, 0.16%, 2.15% and 27.27%.
Conclusion: Based upon the analytical performance characteristics that were determined, the MC004 assay showed performance suitable for use in clinical settings, as well as epidemiological studies.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8274047 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12936-021-03842-8 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
The circular genome of the apicoplast contains a complete minimal set of tRNAs, positioning the apicoplast as an ideal model for studying the fundamental factors required for protein translation. Modifications at tRNA wobble base positions, such as xm s U, are critical for accurate protein translation. These modifications are ubiquitously found in tRNAs decoding two-family box codons ending in A or G in prokaryotes and in eukaryotic organelles.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRecent studies have revealed that many mosquito species regularly engage in high-altitude windborne migration, but its epidemiological significance was debated. The hypothesis that high-altitude mosquitoes spread pathogens over large distances has not been directly tested. Here, we report for the first time that high-altitude windborne mosquitoes are commonly infected with arboviruses, protozoans, and helminths affecting vertebrates and humans, and provide the first description of this pathogen-vector aerial network.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe emergence of parasites partially resistant to artemisinins (ART-R) poses a significant threat to recent gains in malaria control. ART-R has been associated with PfKelch13 (K13) mutations, which differ in fitness costs. This study investigates the gametocyte production and transmission fitness of African and Asian isolates with different K13 genotypes across multiple mosquito species.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMalian field isolates provide insight into Plasmodium malariae intra-erythrocytic development and invasion.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis
January 2025
Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali.
Plasmodium malariae is the third most prevalent human malaria parasite species and contributes significantly to morbidity. Nevertheless, our comprehension of this parasite's biology remains limited, primarily due to its frequent co-infections with other species and the lack of a continuous in vitro culture system. To effectively combat and eliminate this overlooked parasite, it is imperative to acquire a better understanding of this species.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHuman mobility and malaria risk in peri-urban and rural communities in the Peruvian Amazon.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis
January 2025
Laboratorio ICEMR- Enfermedades Emergentes, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias e Ingeniería, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú.
Background: While the global burden of malaria cases has decreased over the last two decades, the disease remains a major international threat, even on the rise in many regions. More than 85% of Peruvian malaria cases are in the Amazonian region of Loreto. Internal mobility primarily related to occupation is thought to be primarily responsible for maintaining endemicity and introducing and reintroducing malaria parasites into areas of anophelism, a challenge for malaria eradication.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!