First report of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions compromising HRP2-based malaria rapid diagnostic tests in Malawi.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Histidine Rich Protein 2-based rapid diagnostic tests (HRP2-based RDTs) are widely used for malaria diagnosis in Malawi, but their accuracy may be compromised by Plasmodium falciparum parasites lacking the P. falciparum histidine rich protein 2 (pfhrp2) and P. falciparum histidine rich protein 3 (pfhrp3) genes. While such deletions have been reported in other malaria-endemic countries, their presence and diagnostic impact in Malawi remain unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pfhrp2/pfhrp3 gene deletions in Malawi and their effect on the diagnostic accuracy of HRP2-based RDTs relative to light microscopy and qPCR.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2020 and June 2021, enrolling 1582 participants from referral hospital

SUBMITTER: Louis JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12512526 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature