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Malaria diagnosis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|May 30, 1981
Summary
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) offer an objective method for malaria detection. While less sensitive than microscopy, ELISA can process many samples simultaneously, aiding in parasite identification.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Malaria diagnosis relies on microscopy, which is labor-intensive.
- Objective and high-throughput diagnostic methods for malaria are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sensitivity and objectivity of Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for detecting Plasmodium falciparum.
Main Methods:
- Two ELISA formats were tested: double antibody sandwich and inhibition assays.
- Assays were performed on blood samples from infected and uninfected monkeys.
Main Results:
- Double antibody sandwich ELISA detected one malarial cell per 10^3 uninfected cells.
- Inhibition ELISA detected one infected cell per 10^4 uninfected erythrocytes.
- ELISA sensitivity is currently lower than expert microscopy (1 in 10^6 erythrocytes).
Conclusions:
- ELISA provides an objective malaria detection method.
- ELISA is advantageous for simultaneous processing of up to 100 samples.
- Further optimization is needed to match microscopy sensitivity.