Can ParaSight-F be used for rapid diagnosis of Falciparum malaria in Nepal ?

Abstract

The dipstick, ParaSight-F, is a commercial dignostic test for Plasmodium falciparum,
based on antigen capture. This test was used in a survey in rural endemic areas of
Southern Nepal compared to thick blood film examination. In 101 P. falciparum thick
film positive samples, 94 (93.1%) were positive with ParaSight-F. However, in 122 P.
vivax blood film positive samples, 32 (26.2%) were also positive by ParaSight-F test and
there was 15.1% false ParaSight-F positivity where no parasites could be found by
careful examination of thick blood films. While this study confirms that ParaSight-F is
easy to perform in field conditions, the unpredictable cross-reactivity with P. vivax may
render it difficult to use in situations where P. vivax is the predominant species.
However, the possibility of an early diagnosis of Falciparum malaria and the possibility
of preventing the development of severe malaria may outweigh this disadvantage.