Malaria Epidemic: What Are the Most Effective Diagnostic Tests for Malaria in India?

Malaria Outbreaks in India: If you suspect you may have been infected by a malaria-carrying mosquito, these diagnostic tests can help determine if you have the disease.

Malaria is a vector disease. Globally, India accounts for 1.7% of malaria cases and 1.2% of malaria deaths. The country holds 85.2% of the malaria burden in Southeast Asia, including 47% of global plasmodium vivax malaria. A WHO Southeast Asia Region report indicates a 2% decrease trend in global malaria cases and deaths. India accounts for 79% of estimated malaria cases. The country plays a significant role in global malaria elimination. CDC says 4.3 billion people live in areas at risk of malaria transmission.

In this article, Dr. Geetanjali Gupta, Director of Technical Operations and Quality Assurance, helps us understand what diagnostic tests are available in India to detect malaria and how to effectively reduce their infection risk.

What Are the Most Effective Diagnostic Tests for Malaria?

The epidemiology of malaria is complex in India because of its diverse geography. There are two major malaria parasites: P. falciparum, which is more severe and can cause life-threatening complications, and P. vivax, which is less severe but can cause relapses. There are Nine Anopheline species, of which six are primary vectors, responsible for the transfer of malaria infection. India witnesses a sharp rise in malaria cases during the monsoon season (July to September) because several states experience heavy rainfall, aiding mosquito breeding. Northeast, east, and center states are more prone to malaria.

Recently, Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, has seen an increase in malaria cases. The city has reported 797 new cases of malaria. However, a decline has been observed in the cases of dengue, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and chikungunya.

According to the reports, Odisha recorded 41,970 malaria cases, Chhattisgarh 31,713, Jharkhand 31,140, West Bengal 26,493, Tripura 22,412, Uttar Pradesh 13,585, and Maharashtra 16,164 so far this year.

Dr. Geetanjali Gupta, Director of Technical Operations and Quality Assurance, said, "The number of malaria cases has already surpassed the patient count recorded last summer, and this is significantly concerning as cases are further increasing in the Monsoon. It is essential to take proper precautions and opt for health checkups in case of experiencing symptoms like cough, cold, and fever instead of trying home remedies or delaying the treatment for a speedy recovery. Moreover, diagnosis equips the clinicians to differentiate between the types of fever and recommend a personalized treatment plan as other types of fever like Chikungunya, Typhoid, and Dengue are also on the rise.

Although, Malaria can affect anyone, irrespective of age and gender. However, children and pregnant women are at high risk. It's crucial to remember that early diagnosis of malaria can prevent internal bleeding and organ failure. By taking these diagnostic tests for malaria, you are taking a proactive step to stay safe and in control of your health.

Malaria Parasite Test (MP) Smear

The malaria parasite smear test is the initial blood test advised by the doctors. The test looks for malarial parasites in the blood to confirm whether an individual has malaria. However, the number of parasites fluctuates every day. The doctor might need blood smears in thick or thin form. The smear is stained and examined under a microscope. Both thick and thin smears allow a detailed study of the patient's blood for malaria parasites. Take the malaria parasite diagnostic test to stay safe. The method requires expertise to identify and differentiate accurately between the different plasmodium species.

Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT)

The Antigen Detection Test, or the Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT), is a simple and effective way to identify malaria antigens in the blood. This blood test requires a drop of blood to detect the malaria parasite. The RDT needs no added confirmatory analysis to differentiate between infected and non-infected cases and to outline the right treatment plans.

Malaria Molecular Tets (PCR)

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test is a highly accurate method for identifying the DNA of the malaria parasite. This test can outshine both the microscope and RDT in terms of accuracy. PCR can detect the level of parasites and differentiate between all five species of human malaria, providing a secure and well-informed diagnosis.

Why is a Malaria Blood Test Beneficial?

The malaria blood test helps the doctor identify any symptoms of malaria. It detects different parasites that cause malaria fever. The test can help identify infection-causing parasites and check the severity of any infection or complication.

Monsoon is the season of infections and allergies. To prevent any severe life-threatening disease, have regular blood tests. However, if you experience symptoms such as persistent headaches, high fever, extreme weakness, vomiting, seizures, jaundice, and shivering, it's crucial to take diagnostic tests for malaria to stay safe.

Also, it is advised to take preventive health tests during the monsoon to check your immunity and avoid getting infected with various health disorders that affect you during the season.

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