Comparative evaluation study of immunochromatographic test and microscopic diagnostic test in diagnosis of malaria

Introduction: The commonly employed method for diagnosis of malaria involves the Immunochromatographic test and microscopic diagnostic test in diagnosis of malaria.
Objectives: Detection and identification of Malarial parasite Microscopically in blood films.   Detection and identification of Malarial Antigen by Immunochromatographic Rapid Diagnostic test.  Comparison of results of Microscopic and Immunochromatographic Rapid Diagnostic test.  
Materials and Methods: A total 82 whole blood samples were examined by preparing thin smear blood films and staining with J.S.B (Jaswant Singh Bhattacharjii) stain. All the blood samples were also subjected to Immunochromatographic diagnostic test for detection of Antigen. Results of both J.S.B stained smears and Immunochromatographic test were compared.
Results: Out of 82 blood samples processed, 6 (7.31%) samples were Microscopic positive for malarial parasite and 5 were Immunochromatographic test positive for malarial antigen. Out of 6 samples 5 positive by microscopy were positive for P.vivax and only 1 sample was positive for P.falciaprum. out of 5 samples  4 positive by Immunochromatographic were positive  for P.vivax and only 1 sample was positive for P.falciparum.
Conclusion: Immunochromatographic test are rapid, do not require expertise and are useful in Routine diagnosis. The sensitivity of antigen detection test is lower (97.4%) specificity (100%). When compared to microscopy, microscopy is simple, economical, sensitive and specific, hence still remains the gold standard method for malaria diagnosis.