RDT Quiz A Q5

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RDT Quiz A Q5 RDT tests use specific antibodies to identify the malaria species. Users often believe that it is not important to know which antibodies their own test uses. However, different antibodies are known to have particular strngths and weaknesses. RDT tests that use antibodies that detect the malarial antigen HRP2 are widely used. Which of the statements below are true of HRP2 (select all that apply)? The antigen identifies only P.falciparum The antigen identifies P.vivax HRP2 gene-deletion may be encountered Antibodies to pfLDH are more sensitive May be negative in severe infection Explanation of correct answer (click "Expand"). Short answer taken from section "Main RDT page" (see the section for full details and links). The different malaria species are detected with different sensitivity. The table below provides an overall summary of the sensitivity that can be expected for RDT tests (the specific section in the main section provides more detail). P.falciparum At high parasitaemia expect high sensitivity (90-95%). This declines when parasite levels are lower (45-70%) P.vivax Expect moderate to high sensitivity at high parasitaemia (70-90%). This declines markedly when parasite levels are lower (30-60%) P.ovale & P.malarae Generally sensitivity is poor (approximately half the sensitivity shown for P.vivax) P.knowlesi Reports suggest variable sensitivity that may depend on test used, RDTs are reported tp detect this species well when parasitaemia is high. Quiz completed - go to finish)