Advancements and Challenges in Malaria Diagnostics
Vinit Chauhan, Rajesh Anand, Anisha Thalor, Agam Prasad Singh · Infectious diseases · 2025
Diagnostic methods are vital for dealing with the global malaria burden and decreasing malaria incidence. The diagnosis by microscopy is considered a gold standard; however, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have become a primary diagnostic test in many malaria-endemic areas. RDTs have many advantages; however, gene deletion, poor sensitivity with low parasite levels, cross-reactivity, and prozone effect are certain disadvantages. The quantitative buffy coat (QBC), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), flow cytometry, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and mass spectrometry have certain disadvantages that limit their mass scale implications in endemic areas. Recently, malaria diagnosis based on artificial intelligence and smartphone-based applications for malaria diagnosis have been developed, which can be implemented in the fields once high sensitivity and specificity are achieved. In the current scenario, gene deletion events in Plasmodium falciparum have created a vacuum that can be filled with the development of more advanced RDT.