Malarial Parasite Test

One of the oldest recorded diseases globally, the malarial parasites induce the signs of discomfort, thereby known as malaria. The female Anopheles mosquito transmits it. There are four types of malarial parasites, namely:

• Plasmodium falciparum
• Plasmodium malariae
• Plasmodium ovale
• Plasmodium vivax

Among these, P. falciparum is the deadliest parasite and malarial parasites as a whole kill nearly 1 million people globally. Diagnostic measures are essential to identify the disease, notify the authorities, and control it before it becomes an epidemic.

The malarial parasite test is the most accurate and commonly performed test used for the diagnosis of malaria. It uses thick and thin blood smears from the patient's samples and yields results within 2-4 hours.

A detailed microscopic examination can help a pathologist identify the malarial parasite causing the infection. The malarial parasite reports then assist the physician in initiating the treatment process efficiently.

Malaria is an infectious disease but not like cold or flu. It is still advised to keep the patient isolated or in protective clothing as the disease can be transmitted by biting an infected mosquito (here, female Anopheles).

The only mode of transmission is via mosquito and person to person. Rarely, malaria can also spread due to blood transfusion, placenta to the foetus, and transplant procedures. Malarial parasite tests and other diagnostic measures ensure that these transmissions are prevented from happening.

Given the World Malaria Report 2019, India remains the main malaria contributor in the Southeast Asia Region. Nevertheless, our country has shown a marked reduction based on its history of malaria outbreaks.

Malaria affects all ages and sexes and is more prevalent in Africa (tropical and subtropical regions). Anopheles is a mosquito of low socioeconomic and unhygienic conditions. This is the reason behind the disappearance of malaria from most developed countries.

Malaria

The malarial parasite test detects the presence and identification of malarial parasites, P. falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale, or P. vivax in the bloodstream. The test can detect

• Presence or absence of malarial parasites in the blood
• Identification of malarial parasites among the four
• Parasite load(parasite Index)
• Severity of infection

A malarial parasite test is prescribed to those experiencing symptoms of malaria. The clinical features are distributed under three stages:

The amount of malarial parasites in an infected individual keeps altering at different times of the day. The malarial parasite reports might come out to be negative despite significant signs and symptoms.

For this reason, your healthcare professional might prescribe an MP test every 12-24 hours interval over a period of two to three days.

Before the Test

Generally, no preparation is mandated for a Malarial Parasite test. However, if this test coincides with another that requires certain measures, your healthcare provider may advise you to refrain from consuming specific food items. It is advisable to always seek guidance from your doctor prior to the test for optimal results.

During the Test

A small sample of your blood will be extracted from a vein in your arm. Here are the key aspects to anticipate during the test:

• The region where the needle will be inserted will be disinfected with an antiseptic.
• A tourniquet band will be applied to your arm to enhance vein visibility.
• A needle will be introduced into the vein to draw the blood. This may cause a brief pinching sensation lasting a few seconds.
• The blood will be collected in a vial or small test tube and the blank label will be filled with your details.

After the Test

Following the blood collection:

• A bandage will be affixed to the puncture site to prevent bleeding.
• Minor bruising is common. An uncommon effect is lightheadedness. You should sit for a few minutes if you feel dizzy.
• Contact your healthcare provider in case of bleeding, pain, or rashes at the puncture site.

The malarial parasite test includes the formation of blood films by the sample obtained from the patient's arm. Preparation of two types of blood films remains the gold standard of microscopic diagnosis for malarial parasites:

Thick blood film

Thick blood films use several layers of blood and are crucial to detect the presence of malarial parasites in the blood, their relapse, or reappearance. It is a measure to screen the malarial parasite and confirm the presence of malaria in the individual.

Thin blood film

Thin blood film uses a single layer of blood and makes it easier to visualise the malarial parasite. The thin film helps the pathologist to morphologically identify the parasite responsible for causing malaria in that individual.

Although a gold standard and the most accurate test.

Haematology report depicting peripheral blood smear for malarial parasites is a positive-negative MP report. The malarial parasite report might state “Detected/Not Detected” or “Positive/Negative.” Along with it, the name of the identified malarial parasite will also be present.

For example:

• Parasites: DETECTED. (Schizont of P. Vivax.)
• Parasites: NOT DETECTED.

The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

There are two possible interpretations of the malarial parasite test. They are: