A comparative study of peripheral blood smear, quantitative buffy coat and antigen detection for diagnosis of malaria

Abstract

Need of study: Rapid diagnosis is prerequisite for effective treatment and reducing mortality and morbidity of malaria. Objectives: To compare and study, the results of Peripheral blood smear, Quantitative Buffy Coat (QBC) and antigen detection for diagnosis of malaria. Materials and Methods: A total of 63 samples were collected from patients presenting with classic symptoms of malaria. For traditional microscopy, thick and thin smears were prepared and stained with Leishman’s stain, taking it as gold standard. QBC and antigen detection was done using commercially available kits. Results: Out of 63 samples, PS study, QBC, Antigen test were positive in 39, 49 and 46 cases respectively. Sensitivity of QBC and malarial antigen test was 100% and 94.8% respectively. Conclusion: Peripheral smear study is cost effective, is difficult to interpret for inexperienced microscopist; so if facilities are available, QBC should be used for routine diagnosis. In places where facilities are not available, rapid, simple and easy to interpret antigen detection test can be used.