DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF MICROSCOPY VERSUS PCR TECHNIQUE FOR THE DETECTION OF PLASMODIUM SPECIES IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background:

According to latest data available Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum are the most common species of plasmodium present in Pakistan. This study focuses on the current status of malaria specie distribution across different provinces of Pakistan.

Material & Methods:

This is a cross sectional study which is community based it was carried out in endemic areas of 04 provinces of Pakistan. The study was conducted stepwise by first microscopically confirming Plasmodium-positive blood samples and later these samples were reconfirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) specie specific for detecting four species of human malaria.

Results:

Total of 450 PCR-positive samples were collected amongst these 29 (6.4%) were P. falciparum, 386 (85.8%) were P. vivax, and 35 (7.8%) were mixed P. falciparum and P. vivax. Total 39 (8.7%) P. falciparum, 393 (87.3%) were P. vivax and mixed infections were (18%) positive in microscopically. There were no positive cases of Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale.

Conclusion:

According to the study findings P. vivax and P. falciparum are most prevalent plasmodium species in in Pakistan, in addition mixed infections were also contributing to malaria prevalence in Pakistan. Regional variation in the prevalence and species composition was also found in the study