| Use of PfLDH in diagnosis
The pLDH assays identify enzymes specific to the malaria glycolytic pathway, three forms of test antigen exist: a PpanLDH which has capability to detect all forms of malaria (see separate description) and "species specific" forms that detect forms found only in particular malaria forms: a P.falciparum-specific form (PfLDH) and a P.vavax-specific form (PvLDH).
The PfLDH has excellent sensitivity at high parasitaemia, with sensitivity that may meet or exceed 90%. However, at lower parasite levels (<1000 parasites/ μL) sensitivity of PfLDH may be lower than HRP2 (around 45%).
Characteristics of HRP2 to be aware of
A much more effective test of cure as the antigen is cleared more rapidly after effective treatment
Less affected by prozne and no mutation
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