How useful is PCR in the diagnosis of malaria?

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are the most sensitive and specific method to detect malaria parasites, and have acknowledged value in research settings. However, the time lag between sample collection, transportation and processing, and dissemination of results back to the physician limits t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Trends in parasitology 2002-09, Vol.18 (9), p.395-398
Main Authors: Hänscheid, Thomas, Grobusch, Martin P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
clinical usefulness
DNA, Protozoan - chemistry
DNA, Protozoan - genetics
Human protozoal diseases
Humans
Infectious diseases
Malaria
Malaria - diagnosis
Medical sciences
Parasitic diseases
PCR
Plasmodium - genetics
Plasmodium - isolation & purification
Polymerase Chain Reaction - economics
Polymerase Chain Reaction - methods
Protozoal diseases
routine use
Travel
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Summary:Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are the most sensitive and specific method to detect malaria parasites, and have acknowledged value in research settings. However, the time lag between sample collection, transportation and processing, and dissemination of results back to the physician limits the usefulness of PCR in routine clinical practice. Furthermore, in most areas with malaria transmission, factors such as limited financial resources, persistent subclinical parasitaemia, inadequate laboratory infrastructures in the poorer, remote rural areas preclude PCR as a diagnostic method. Even in affluent, non-endemic countries, PCR is not a suitable method for routine use. Nonetheless, PCR could be clinically useful in selected situations. PCR is of acknowledged value for malaria research. However, it is not a suitable method for widespread routine use. Nonetheless, PCR could be clinically useful in some selected situations
ISSN:1471-4922
1471-5007
DOI:10.1016/S1471-4922(02)02348-6