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T R, C D, A R, Jc Y. Nine years of imported malaria in a teaching hospital in Belgium: Demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 108:116206. [PMID: 38335879 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Imported malaria is often misdiagnosed due to the aspecific symptoms and lack of familiarity among clinicians. This study aims to evaluate a decade-long trend of imported malaria cases in a Belgian teaching hospital by analyzing demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes. METHODS Medical records of 223 patients with confirmed malaria diagnoses between 2010 and 2019 were analyzed. RESULTS Most patients were male (63.2%), aged 18-65 years (77.1%), and visiting friends or relatives (40.8%). Central Africa was the most common travel destination (54.3%), and 63.7% did not take prophylaxis. Symptoms were flu-like, with fever (91.9%) being most prevalent. P. falciparum was identified in 88.3% of cases. A high proportion of severe cases (41.7%) and a low mortality rate (0.9%) were recorded. A severe form of the disease is associated with a more extended hospital stay than uncomplicated form (median of 5 vs. 4 days, p < 0.001). Thirty-five-point five percent [33/93] of patients with severe malaria have had a previous malaria infection compared to 50.8% [66/130] of uncomplicated patients (p= 0.013) wich was statistically significant. CONCLUSION Malaria disproportionately affects VFRs traveling to Central Africa, and flu-like symptoms should raise suspicion. Prophylaxis is essential to prevent the disease, and early diagnosis is critical for effective management. A severe form of the disease is associated with a more extended hospital stay than uncomplicated form and people with a previous history of malaria have a less severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratovonjanahary T
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Danwang C
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert A
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yombi Jc
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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Calderaro A, Piccolo G, Chezzi C. The Laboratory Diagnosis of Malaria: A Focus on the Diagnostic Assays in Non-Endemic Areas. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:695. [PMID: 38255768 PMCID: PMC10815132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Even if malaria is rare in Europe, it is a medical emergency and programs for its control should ensure both an early diagnosis and a prompt treatment within 24-48 h from the onset of the symptoms. The increasing number of imported malaria cases as well as the risk of the reintroduction of autochthonous cases encouraged laboratories in non-endemic countries to adopt diagnostic methods/algorithms. Microscopy remains the gold standard, but with limitations. Rapid diagnostic tests have greatly expanded the ability to diagnose malaria for rapid results due to simplicity and low cost, but they lack sensitivity and specificity. PCR-based assays provide more relevant information but need well-trained technicians. As reported in the World Health Organization Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030, the development of point-of-care testing is important for the improvement of diagnosis with beneficial consequences for prompt/accurate treatment and for preventing the spread of the disease. Despite their limitations, diagnostic methods contribute to the decline of malaria mortality. Recently, evidence suggested that artificial intelligence could be utilized for assisting pathologists in malaria diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.)
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Calderaro A, Montecchini S, Buttrini M, Piccolo G, Rossi S, Arcangeletti MC, Farina B, De Conto F, Chezzi C. Malaria Diagnosis in Non-Endemic Settings: The European Experience in the Last 22 Years. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112265. [PMID: 34835391 PMCID: PMC8620059 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate, prompt, and reliable tools for the diagnosis of malaria are crucial for tracking the successes or drawbacks of control and elimination efforts, and for future programs aimed at global malaria eradication. Although microscopy remains the gold standard method, the number of imported malaria cases and the risk of reappearance of autochthonous cases stimulated several laboratories located in European countries to evaluate methods and algorithms suited to non-endemic settings, where skilled microscopists are not always available. In this review, an overview of the field evaluation and a comparison of the methods used for the diagnosis of malaria by European laboratories is reported, showing that the development of numerous innovations is continuous. In particular, the combination of rapid diagnostic tests and molecular assays with microscopy represents a reliable system for the early diagnosis of malaria in non-endemic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0521-033499; Fax: +39-0521-993620
| | - Sara Montecchini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Mirko Buttrini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Giovanna Piccolo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Sabina Rossi
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Maria Cristina Arcangeletti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Benedetta Farina
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Flora De Conto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Carlo Chezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
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Kotepui M, Masangkay FR, Kotepui KU, De Jesus Milanez G. Misidentification of Plasmodium ovale as Plasmodium vivax malaria by a microscopic method: a meta-analysis of confirmed P. ovale cases. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21807. [PMID: 33311528 PMCID: PMC7733466 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78691-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium ovale is a benign tertian malaria parasite that morphologically resembles Plasmodium vivax. P. ovale also shares similar tertian periodicity and can cause relapse in patients without a radical cure, making it easily misidentified as P. vivax in routine diagnosis. Therefore, its prevalence might be underreported worldwide. The present study aimed to quantify the prevalence of P. ovale misidentified as P. vivax malaria using data from studies reporting confirmed P. ovale cases by molecular methods. Studies reporting the misidentification of P. ovale as P. vivax malaria were identified from three databases, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus, without language restrictions, but the publication date was restricted to 1993 and 2020. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS). The random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of the misidentification of P. ovale as P. vivax malaria by the microscopic method when compared to those with the reference polymerase chain reaction method. Subgroup analysis of participants was also performed to demonstrate the difference between imported and indigenous P. ovale cases. The heterogeneity of the included studies was assessed using Cochran's Q and I2 statistics. Publication bias across the included studies was assessed using the funnel plot and Egger’s test, and if required, contour-enhanced funnel plots were used to identify the source(s) of funnel plot asymmetry. Of 641 articles retrieved from databases, 22 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the present study. Of the 8,297 malaria-positive cases identified by the PCR method, 453 P. ovale cases were confirmed. The pooled prevalence of misidentification of P. ovale as P. vivax malaria by the microscopic method was 11% (95% CI: 7–14%, I2: 25.46%). Subgroup analysis of the participants demonstrated a higher prevalence of misidentification in indigenous cases (13%, 95% CI: 6–21%, I2: 27.8%) than in imported cases (10%, 95% CI: 6–14%, I2: 24.1%). The pooled prevalence of misidentification of P. vivax as P. ovale malaria by the microscopic method was 1%, without heterogeneity (95% CI: 0–3%, I2: 16.8%). PCR was more sensitive in identifying P. ovale cases than the microscopic method (p < 0.00001, OR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.83–4.15, I2: 65%). Subgroup analysis of participants demonstrated the better performance of PCR in detecting P. ovale malaria in indigenous cases (p: 0.0009, OR: 6.92, 95% CI: 2.21–21.7%, I2: 68%) than in imported cases (p: 0.0004, OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.41–3.29%, I2: 63%). P. ovale infections misidentified as P. vivax malaria by the microscopic method were frequent and led to underreported P. ovale cases. The molecular identification of P. ovale malaria in endemic areas is needed because a higher rate of P. ovale misidentification was found in endemic or indigenous cases than in imported cases. In addition, updated courses, enhanced training, and refreshers for microscopic examinations, particularly for P. ovale identification, are necessary to improve the microscopic identification of Plasmodium species in rural health centres where PCR is unavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manas Kotepui
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
| | - Frederick Ramirez Masangkay
- Department of Medical Technology, Institute of Arts and Sciences, Far Eastern University-Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Giovanni De Jesus Milanez
- Department of Medical Technology, Institute of Arts and Sciences, Far Eastern University-Manila, Manila, Philippines
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Waggoner J, Brichard J, Mutuku F, Ndenga B, Heath CJ, Mohamed-Hadley A, Sahoo MK, Vulule J, Lefterova M, Banaei N, Mukoko D, Pinsky BA, LaBeaud AD. Malaria and Chikungunya Detected Using Molecular Diagnostics Among Febrile Kenyan Children. Open Forum Infect Dis 2017; 4:ofx110. [PMID: 28702473 PMCID: PMC5505337 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofx110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa, malaria is frequently overdiagnosed as the cause of an undifferentiated febrile illness, whereas arboviral illnesses are presumed to be underdiagnosed. METHODS Sera from 385 febrile Kenyan children, who presented to 1 of 4 clinical sites, were tested using microscopy and real-time molecular assays for dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), malaria, and Leptospira. RESULTS Malaria was the primary clinical diagnosis for 254 patients, and an arboviral infection (DENV or CHIKV) was the primary diagnosis for 93 patients. In total, 158 patients (41.0%) had malaria and 32 patients (8.3%) had CHIKV infections. Compared with real-time polymerase chain reaction, microscopy demonstrated a percent positive agreement of 49.7%. The percentage of malaria cases detected by microscopy varied significantly between clinical sites. Arboviral infections were the clinical diagnosis for patients on the Indian Ocean coast (91 of 238, 38.2%) significantly more often than patients in the Lake Victoria region (2 of 145, 1.4%; P < .001). However, detection of CHIKV infections was significantly higher in the Lake Victoria region (19 of 145 [13.1%] vs 13 of 239 [5.4%]; P = .012). CONCLUSIONS The clinical diagnosis of patients with an acute febrile illness, even when aided by microscopy, remains inaccurate in malaria-endemic areas, contributing to inappropriate management decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Waggoner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Julie Brichard
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Niaz Banaei
- Department of Pathology, and.,Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Benjamin A Pinsky
- Department of Pathology, and.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, California
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Dakić Z, Ivović V, Pavlović M, Lavadinović L, Marković M, Djurković-Djaković O. Clinical significance of molecular methods in the diagnosis of imported malaria in returning travelers in Serbia. Int J Infect Dis 2014; 29:24-30. [PMID: 25312981 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2014.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to assess the clinical significance of conventional and PCR-based molecular diagnosis in patients with imported malaria in Serbia. METHODS Giemsa microscopy, the rapid diagnostic test, and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) were used to detect Plasmodium species in 109 whole-blood samples from patients after their return from malaria endemic areas, including those clinically suspected for malaria (n=97) and healthy travelers (n=12) examined as part of epidemiological surveillance. RESULTS A total of 45 patients were diagnosed with malaria: 42 (93.3%) by microscopy and three (6.7%) additional ones by qPCR. The agreement between the results of species-specific qPCR and microscopy was 73.3%; it was as high as 90.6% for Plasmodium falciparum infections. Follow-up analysis demonstrated persistence of Plasmodium sp DNA for a mean 6 days after the disappearance of parasitemia on microscopy. CONCLUSIONS Due to its sensitivity and specificity, qPCR is a helpful method complementary to microscopy, particularly in cases of low parasitemia. In addition, it is superior to microscopy for species identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zorica Dakić
- Department of Microbiology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Ivović
- Center for Parasitic Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milorad Pavlović
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Lidija Lavadinović
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Marković
- Center for Parasitic Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Olgica Djurković-Djaković
- Center for Parasitic Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
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Senn H, Alattas N, Boggild AK, Morris SK. Mixed-species Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium ovale malaria in a paediatric returned traveller. Malar J 2014; 13:78. [PMID: 24593188 PMCID: PMC3975726 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a common and potentially fatal cause of febrile illness in returned travellers. Endemic areas for different malaria parasites overlap, but mixed species infections are rare. An adolescent male returned from a trip to Ghana in late summer 2013. He subsequently presented with blood smears positive for two species of malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium ovale, on two isolated hospital visits within a six-week period. The epidemiology of mixed infections, likely pathophysiology of his presentation, and the implications for malaria testing and treatment in returned travellers are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Senn
- University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Nadia Alattas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Andrea K Boggild
- Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Suite RFE 3–805, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Public Health Ontario Laboratories, 81 Resources Road, Etobicoke, ON M9P 3T1, Canada
| | - Shaun K Morris
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
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