PCR as a confirmatory technique for laboratory diagnosis of malaria

J Clin Microbiol. 2006 Mar;44(3):1087-9. doi: 10.1128/JCM.44.3.1087-1089.2006.

Abstract

We compared a nested PCR assay and microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood films for detection and identification of Plasmodium spp. in blood specimens. PCR was more sensitive than microscopy and capable of identifying malaria parasites at the species level when microscopy was equivocal.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • DNA, Protozoan / blood
  • DNA, Protozoan / genetics
  • Genes, Protozoan
  • Humans
  • Malaria / diagnosis*
  • Malaria / parasitology
  • Microscopy
  • Parasitology / methods
  • Parasitology / statistics & numerical data
  • Plasmodium / genetics
  • Plasmodium / isolation & purification
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / statistics & numerical data
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Staining and Labeling

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Protozoan