Malaria Diagnostics, Where are we Now

Abstract

Malaria, a worldwide disease of high morbidity and mortality, causes over 1 million deaths per year, mostlyin children less than 5 years of age [1,2]. Delayed treatment of malaria increases the chances of death and neurological disease [3]. In addition, to bring about malaria eradication and prolong accumulation of drug resistant parasites, treatment must follow an accurate diagnosis. To that end, a major goal in malaria diagnostics is to develop assays that are both sensitive and cost-effective for use in developing countries, which are economically and infrastructurally challenged. This review analyzes the current state of malarial diagnostics, from the gold standard of Giemsa-stained blood smears for microscopic examination to highly sensitive and novel technologies. Here, we suggest a future direction for malarial diagnostics.