Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
In Vivo Assessment of Rodent Plasmodium Parasitemia and Merozoite Invasion by Flow Cytometry
Published on: April 5, 2015
A novel capillary-driven dual-mode imaging flow cytometry system for malaria parasite detection and quantification
Suraj K Maurya1, Matt Stark2, Alexander Martin Küenzi2
1Institute for Human Centered Engineering (HuCE), Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH), Quellgasse 21, Biel, 2501, Bern, Switzerland; Bio/CMOS Interfaces Laboratory, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), rue de la Maladière 71, 2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
A new, cost-effective image flow cytometer simplifies malaria diagnosis by combining brightfield and fluorescence imaging. This automated system accurately quantifies parasitemia, offering a promising alternative to traditional microscopy for disease management.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Diagnostics
- Parasitology
Background:
- Malaria poses a significant global health challenge, especially in resource-limited areas.
- Accurate malaria parasite quantification (parasitemia) is crucial for effective treatment and management.
- Current gold standard microscopy is labor-intensive and requires expert interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a cost-effective, capillary-driven image flow cytometer for malaria diagnosis and quantification.
- To integrate brightfield and fluorescence imaging for enhanced diagnostic capabilities.
- To simplify the malaria diagnostic workflow for improved accessibility.
Main Methods:
- A novel system integrates brightfield and fluorescence imaging into a single RGB image.
- Blood samples are stained with SYBR Green I and loaded into a microfluidic chip.
- Automated image acquisition and processing are performed under combined illumination.
Main Results:
- The system successfully diagnoses malaria and quantifies parasitemia with <10% relative error compared to commercial flow cytometry.
- The platform provides additional insights into parasite stage or count per red blood cell (RBC).
- Demonstrated robustness and repeatability in tests with cultured Plasmodium falciparum.
Conclusions:
- The developed image flow cytometer offers a feasible and cost-effective alternative to microscopy for malaria diagnostics.
- The integrated imaging approach simplifies diagnosis and quantification.
- Future work includes chip material optimization, on-board staining, and clinical validation.
