Evaluation of Immunochromatography test and Quantitative buffy coat against peripheral blood smear examination in diagnosis of malaria

Background: In spite of enormous preventive and control measures, malaria has resurged in many tropical countries including India. The limited access to effective diagnosis and treatment of cases in endemic areas is one of the most important factors hampering the reduction of morbidity and mortality associated with malaria. Aims and objective: The present study was conducted with an aim to evaluate immunochromatography test (ICT) and quantitative buffy coat (QBC) against peripheral blood smear (PBS) examination for diagnosis of malaria. Material and methods: Blood samples collected from 186 clinically suspected cases of malaria was used for preparation of PBS for examination of malarial parasite, QBC and ICT. Results: Out of 186 patients included in study, 122 (65.5%) of were positive for malaria by any of the three tests used. 116 (95.1%) were positive for malarial parasite on the PBS. ICT was positive in 103 (84.4%) cases and QBC was positive in 70 (57.3%) cases. Conclusions: ICT for malaria can be used as rapid, simple and mass screening test in remote and rural areas as skilled professional are not required. ICT may prove as useful tool for malaria control programmes. In established setup where skilled and expert personnel are available PBS remains the test of choice and ICT can be used as an adjuvant to PBS.