TABLE 1.
Results of PCR, OptiMAL assay, and microscopy of blood smears for the diagnosis of malaria in 550 patients
| Species detected or other result | No. of patients
|
||
|---|---|---|---|
| PCR | OptiMAL antigen assay | Microscopy | |
| P. falciparum | 43 | 25 | 36 |
| P. vivax | 102 | 70 | 84 |
| Undetermineda | 0b | 0b | 5b |
| No parasites | 397 | 455 | 425 |
a
The species could not be determined due to the paucity of the parasites.
b
The OptiMAL test detected one case of P. falciparum infection, and PCR detected two cases of P. falciparum infection, two cases of P. vivax infection, and one case of mixed (P. falciparum and P. vivax) infection.