Imported malaria: Evaluation of 2 rapid diagnostic tests

Introduction: Malaria is the world's leading parasitic endemic. In Tunisia, although its autochthonous form was eliminated in 1979, the number of imported cases continues to increase, exposing the country to the risk of reintroduction. Objective: To evaluate the performance of 2 rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), "ABON™ Plus Malaria®" and "iTest Malaria®", compared with reference microscopic techniques, in the diagnosis of imported malaria in Tunisia. Parasite testing was direct by thick drop (GE), blood smear (FS) and one or more RDT. Results: We collected 35 cases of malaria. The GE was positive in 34 patients and the FS in 21. Plasmodium falciparum was the most commonly identified species. The 2 tests showed excellent concordance with the GE in symptomatic patients. In asymptomatic patients (represented by the foreign students mentioned in the screening), the sensitivity and specificity of the "ABON™ Plus" test were 48% and 100% respectively, and those of the "iTest® " 23.8% and 100%. Conclusion: RDTs are a useful diagnostic aid, without replacing reference techniques.