Calderaro, A.; Piccolo, G.; Chezzi, C. The Laboratory Diagnosis of Malaria: A Focus on the Diagnostic Assays in Non-Endemic Areas. Int. J. Mol. Sci.2024, 25, 695.
Calderaro, A.; Piccolo, G.; Chezzi, C. The Laboratory Diagnosis of Malaria: A Focus on the Diagnostic Assays in Non-Endemic Areas. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 695.
Calderaro, A.; Piccolo, G.; Chezzi, C. The Laboratory Diagnosis of Malaria: A Focus on the Diagnostic Assays in Non-Endemic Areas. Int. J. Mol. Sci.2024, 25, 695.
Calderaro, A.; Piccolo, G.; Chezzi, C. The Laboratory Diagnosis of Malaria: A Focus on the Diagnostic Assays in Non-Endemic Areas. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 695.
Abstract
Malaria is rare in Europe, but it is a medical emergency and programs for its control should ensure access to early diagnosis and prompt treatment within 24-48 h of the symptom’s onset. The consistent number of imported malaria cases and the risk of reappearance of autochthonous cases stimulated laboratories in non-endemic countries to evaluate diagnostic methods/algorithms: microscopy remains the gold standard, but with limitations. RDTs have greatly expanded the ability to diagnose malaria for rapid results due to simplicity and low cost, but they lack sensitivity and specificity. PCR-based assays provide more relevant information but need well-trained technicians. According to WHO global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030, the future direction for a rapid diagnosis is the development of Point-Of-Care Testing, which would be helpful for prompt/accurate treatment and for preventing the diseases spread. Despite the limitations of current diagnostic methods, they play important roles in dealing with the global malaria situation, including decreasing its incidence. Recently evidence suggested that Artificial Intelligence could be utilized for assisting pathologists in malaria diagnosis. Future studies need to be conducted to see whether this system can be used for routine malaria diagnostic procedures.
Public Health and Healthcare, Public Health and Health Services
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