Comparative Analysis of Multiplex/Semi-nested PCR and Microscopy for Accurate Human Malaria Species Diagnosis
| Author | Aram Khezri | en |
| Author | Mehdi Nateghpour | en |
| Author | Haleh Hanifian | en |
| Author | Leila Farivar | en |
| Author | Afsaneh Motevalli Haghi | en |
| Orcid | Aram Khezri [0000-0003-0473-7184] | en |
| Issued Date | 2024-11-30 | en |
| Abstract | Background: Iran is currently striving to eliminate malaria, making it essential to improve the accurate and rapid diagnosis of suspected cases. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the multiplex/semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, using specific primers, for the precise diagnosis of human malaria species. Methods: Seventy-two blood samples from patients and suspected malaria cases were selected and stored at -80°C in the National Malaria Laboratory. DNA extraction was performed to obtain the genetic material for further analysis. Multiplex/semi-nested PCR was conducted, and the results were compared with microscopic examination. Results: Out of 72 samples, 36 were positive by microscopic analysis, which included: 16 Plasmodium falciparum, 16 P. vivax, 1 P. ovale, 1 P. malariae, 1 mixed P. falciparum - P. vivax, and 1 mixed P. falciparum - P. malariae. Thirty-three cases were diagnosed through molecular analysis: 16 P. falciparum, 13 P. vivax, 1 P. ovale, 1 P. malariae, and 2 mixed P. falciparum - P. vivax. Conclusions: Issues, such as false positives, underreporting of mixed infections, and mismatched species identified by microscopic methods need to be addressed and improved to ensure accurate diagnoses. | en |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5812/jjm-156895 | en |
| Keyword | Malaria | en |
| Keyword | <i>Plasmodium</i> | en |
| Keyword | Nested PCR | en |
| Keyword | Multiplex | en |
| Keyword | Microscopy | en |
| Publisher | Brieflands | en |
| Title | Comparative Analysis of Multiplex/Semi-nested PCR and Microscopy for Accurate Human Malaria Species Diagnosis | en |
| Type | Research Article | en |