Malaria
Point-of-care rapid testing for malaria. OEM/ODM manufacturer.
Overview
Malaria is a parasitic infection by Plasmodium species transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. WHO recommends rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) where microscopy is unavailable.
Clinical Context
Caused by Plasmodium parasites (P. falciparum most severe, P. vivax with liver-stage relapse), transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms: cyclic fever, chills, headache, anemia.
Diagnostic Markers & Methods
HRP2 (P. falciparum-specific) · pLDH (Pan-Plasmodium) · combined Pf/Pan or Pf/Pv devices for species differentiation.
Antigen vs Antibody
RDTs detect parasite antigens — HRP2 (P. falciparum) and pLDH (pan-Plasmodium). Serology is not used for acute diagnosis.
Diagnostic Workflow
Fever in an endemic area → rapid diagnostic test (RDT) or microscopy → identify species → treat (ACT, plus anti-relapse for P. vivax).
Testing Window
RDTs detect antigen during active parasitemia, typically from symptom onset.
Interpretation
Pf-positive RDT + fever = treat for P. falciparum. HRP2 can persist after treatment; HRP2 gene deletions can cause false negatives.
False Negative / Positive Considerations
False negative: low parasitemia or HRP2 gene deletion. False positive: persistent HRP2 antigenemia after treatment.
Confirmatory Testing
Microscopy (thin/thick smear) is the reference for species and parasitemia.
Testing Settings
RDTs enable field diagnosis where microscopy is unavailable; microscopy remains the reference for parasitemia and species confirmation.
Sources
WHO malaria guidelines (2024); CDC malaria diagnosis.
Progene's Take
Position: Buy the species-differentiating Pf/Pan test, not a Pf-only device — malaria treatment depends on species, and Pf-only misses P. vivax.
- Pf/Pan distinguishes falciparum from other species, which changes treatment.
- HRP2-only tests can miss falciparum in HRP2-deletion regions — a Pan line adds a safety net.
- Field programs value instrument-free, room-temperature-stable formats.
This is the buyer-advisor view of the technical team — editorial guidance, not a substitute for product IFU or local regulatory requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which malaria rapid test should I stock?
A Pf/Pan (or Pf/Pv) combo — it detects P. falciparum (HRP2) and other species (pLDH) in one device, which matters because treatment differs by species.
How soon after fever does a malaria RDT turn positive?
RDTs detect antigen during active parasitemia, typically from symptom onset; very low parasite densities can give false negatives, so repeat testing may be needed.
Does HRP2 persist after treatment?
Yes — HRP2 can remain detectable for weeks after treatment, so a positive Pf HRP2 result does not always indicate treatment failure.
Related knowledge
Products (3)
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