Publication: Identification of cryptic coinfection with Plasmodium falciparum in patients presenting with vivax malaria
Issued Date
2001-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
00029637
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-0035208108
Rights
Mahidol University
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Vol.65, No.5 (2001), 588-592
Suggested Citation
M. Mayxay, S. Pukrittayakamee, K. Chotivanich, M. Imwong, S. Looareesuwan, N. J. White Identification of cryptic coinfection with Plasmodium falciparum in patients presenting with vivax malaria. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Vol.65, No.5 (2001), 588-592. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.2001.65.588 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/26576
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Authors
Journal Issue
Thesis
Title
Identification of cryptic coinfection with Plasmodium falciparum in patients presenting with vivax malaria
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
In Thailand, ∼ 8% of patients treated for vivax malaria are found subsequently to have coinfection with Plasimodium falciparum. A P. falciparum histidine rich protein 2 (PfHRP-2) dipstick test was evaluated as a predictor of mixed infections with subpatent P. falciparum in a prospective study of 238 patients admitted to the hospital with acute vivax malaria. Of these, 23 (10%) had subsequent development of falciparum malaria without reexposure. Patients with cryptic P. falciparum infection had a significantly lower mean (standard deviation) hematocrit than those with P. vivax alone: 29.6 (7.6%) versus 37.2 (6.4%) (P < 0.0001). Using microscopic appearance of P. falciparum after the start of treatment as the reference standard, the PfHRP-2 test was 74% sensitive and 99% specific in predicting mixed infections with subpatent P. falciparum parasitemia at presentation. The PfHRP-2 dipstick test may be a useful adjunct to microscopy in areas where mixed infections are common.