Small angle light scattering assay for the detection of malaria infection

• Small angle scattering based diagnosis may be a rapid sensitive diagnostic method.
• Small, inexpensive and portable device to detect malaria parasites.
• Combines strengths of RDTs (fast and expertize) and microscopy (consumables).
• Preparations containing malaria parasites differed from those without.
• Addition of SYBR Green I or Giemsa Stain altered the scattering profiles.

The diagnosis of malaria, caused by Plasmodium spp., still remains a challenging process. Especially in low-income countries, a rapid user-friendly method is needed for the efficient care of the patient. A small-angle light scattering device consisting of hardware and software was developed. Using the DNA-binding dye SYBR Green, malaria infections could be distinguished in healthy red blood cells infected with Plasmodium. Subsequently, samples from parasite positive and negative patients living in a hyper-endemic area of Kinshasa, DRC were assessed. The scatter profiles were distinct and malaria infection could be detected using the Giemsa stain. Although these results are preliminary, they indicate that the device has the potential to be used as a new diagnostic tool for the detection of Malaria infection.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide