Evaluating the potential of using urine and saliva specimens for malaria diagnosis in suspected patients in Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aimed at detecting PfHRP2 and pLDH malaria antigens in urine and salivary specimens of suspected malaria patients using RDT kits, and identifying factors influencing the detection of these antigens. Methods Malaria rapid test kit (SD Bioline RDT kit) was used to detect malaria antigens, PfHRP2 and pLDH, in blood, urine and saliva samples received from patients suspected of malaria. Subsequently, malaria parasitaemia was determined. From the same patients, body temperature readings and haemoglobin concentrations were recorded. Also, micro-haematuria and saliva occult blood were determined. Relative to blood, the sensitivities and the performance of urine and saliva as alternative samples were evaluated. Results A total of 706 suspected malaria patients provided all three specimens. Prevalence of malaria by microscopy and RDT was 44.2% and 53.9%, respectively. Compared to blood, the sensitivities of urine and saliva were 35.2% and 57.0% respectively. Haemoglobin concentration 38.7 °C and occult blood influenced the detection of malaria antigens in both urine and saliva. Furthermore, the antigens were not detected in urine and saliva when parasitaemia was 60,000 parasites/µL and samples contaminated with blood.

Keywords

• Malaria antigens in urine
• Malaria antigens in saliva
• Ga west municipality
• Ghana