Malaria parasites detection by real-time polymerase chain reaction

Abstract

Malaria parasite detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is as sensitive and specific as standard microscopic examination of a Giemsa-stained thick blood film (GS-TBF). At present, PCR is not suitable for use in a malaria clinic because the method is time consuming and sophisticated. Real-time PCR is a new PCR technology developed for the detection of many infectious agents incluing malaria parasites. Besides its shortening of the detection time, the parasite density can also be quantified. This study was a method comparison of multiplex PCR or classical PCR with a TaqMan real-time PCR. A GS- TBF was the standard method for the comparison. One hundred and twenty six samples were malaria positive blood collected from patients attending malaria clinics in Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province and Muang District, Ranong Province. In addition, 77 malaria negative samples were also studied. The results showed that multiplex PCR and real-time PCR used in this study were 100% sensitive and specific compared with the standard GS-TBF. However, real-time PCR has more advantages over multiplex PCR as it spent shorter duration and could quantify parasite density which is useful for the following up of treatment especially in areas where there is multidrug resistant P. falciparum.