Evaluation of Malaria Diagnostic Methods in Medical Military Hospital, Khartoum State

Abstract

This study was aimed to evaluate malaria diagnostic methods in Medical Military Hospital-Khartoum State. A Cross-sectional study design was conducted in the period between March - December 2015. The study was conducted on 200 subjects, 92 (46%) were males and 108 (54%) were females. The age ranging between 1-65 years old, the mean age was 27±18 years old. Two hundred blood samples were taken from all study subjects, clinical and parasitological data were obtained and recorded. Out of 200 blood samples, 20 (10%), 25 (12.5%) and 20 (10%) were positive for P.falciparum by using stained blood films, immunochromatographic test (ICT) and buffy coat concentration technique respectively. Out of 200 blood samples, 4 (2%) were positive for P. vivax by using the three methods. The study demonstrated that the prevalence rate of malaria in males was 13 (6.5%) which was higher than in females 11(5.5%).The study showed that the prevalence was higher, 12 (6%) in age group between 1-15 years. The prevalence rate of malaria was 24(12%) by using blood films and buffy coat concentration technique, while 29(14.5%) by using ICT. Out of 29 positive cases by using ICTs, 7(3.5%) was found to have previous infection in the time period of 1-30 day. Out of 24 positive cases, 20(10%) was treated previously and the most type of treatment used was artemether with percent of (6%). The study indicated that very high sensitivity (100%) for the blood films and buffy coat concentration technique compared to ICT (96%) for malaria diagnosis.