Performance of three multi-species rapid diagnostic tests for diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria in Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Authors: Ruth A Ashton, Takele Kefyalew, Gezahegn Tesfaye, Helen Counihan, Damtew Yadeta, Bonnie Cundill, Richard Reithinger, Jan H Kolaczinski

This study compared three rapid diagnostic tests' performance, ease of use and heat stability to offer evidence to the Federal Ministry of Health for product selection.

Abstract

Malaria transmission in Ethiopia is unstable and variable, caused by both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) is scaling up parasitological diagnosis of malaria at all levels of the health system; at peripheral health facilities this will be through use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). This study compared three RDT products performance, ease of use and heat stability to provide the FMoH with evidence to guide appropriate product selection. The authors reported that CaseStart appeared to be the most appropriate option for use at health posts in Ethiopia against the criteria assessed. The authors further suggested that the choice for multi-species RDT for Ethiopia should be regularly re-evaluated when new products become available.

Citation: Malaria Journal, 2010; 9: 297.