Novel image processing approach to detect malaria

• Novel image processing algorithm for in vitro detection of malaria.
• The algorithm is based upon analysis of the temporal variation of each pixel.
• Changes in dark pixels indicate inter-cellular activity and presence of malaria.
• Analysis of red blood cells validated the potential benefit of the approach.

In this paper we present a novel image processing algorithm providing good preliminary capabilities for in vitro detection of malaria. The proposed concept is based upon analysis of the temporal variation of each pixel. Changes in dark pixels mean that inter cellular activity happened, indicating the presence of the malaria parasite inside the cell. Preliminary experimental results involving analysis of red blood cells being either healthy or infected with malaria parasites, validated the potential benefit of the proposed numerical approach.