RDT tests use specific antibodies to identify the malaria species. But are these tests equally effective for diagnosing all species?
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.
