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Paica IC, Rusu I, Popescu O, Brînzan A, Pencea I, Dobrinescu C, Kelemen B. Tentative indicators of malaria in archaeological skeletal samples, a pilot study testing different methods. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2023; 40:109-116. [PMID: 36724549 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study attempts to integrate multiple methods to investigate the presence of malaria in human skeletal samples from an archaeological context. MATERIALS 33 well preserved human remains originating from a 17th-century archaeological site in southeastern Romania. METHODS The human bone samples were analyzed using rapid diagnostic tests for malaria antigens and PCR amplification of Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen 1. A preliminary test was performed to identify and briefly characterize the presence of hemozoin using a combination of TEM imaging and diffraction. RESULTS The rapid diagnostic tests indicated that more than half of the examined samples were positive for Plasmodium antigens, but no traces of the parasites' genetic material were detected despite repeated attempts. The TEM images indicated that hemozoin might be a promising diagnostic marker of malaria in ancient bones. CONCLUSIONS The indisputable identification of malaria in the analyzed archaeological population was not possible as none of the applied methodological strategies turned out to be straightforward. SIGNIFICANCE This study reinforces the intricacy and limitations of unequivocally identifying malaria in past populations and sets the stage for future studies on such life-threatening infectious disease in a geographical space, which is currently underrepresented in the bioarchaeological literature. LIMITATIONS The low sample size and the lack of consistency across all assays hindered understanding the role of malaria in the studied population. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH Further thorough multidisciplinary approaches on malaria detection in ancient settlements would be appropriate to inform our knowledge of its origins, frequency, and pathogen changes over centuries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ioana Rusu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, 400006, Romania; Molecular Biology Centre, Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, 400271, Romania.
| | - Octavian Popescu
- Institute of Biology Bucharest of Romanian Academy, Bucharest, 060031, Romania; Molecular Biology Centre, Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, 400271, Romania; Emil G. Racoviță Institute, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, 400006, Romania
| | - Alexandru Brînzan
- Institute of Biology Bucharest of Romanian Academy, Bucharest, 060031, Romania
| | - Ion Pencea
- Department of Metallic Material Science and Physical Metallurgy, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Bucharest, 060042, Romania
| | - Cătălin Dobrinescu
- Department of Research-Development and Projects, Museum of National History and Archaeology, Constanţa, 900745, Romania
| | - Beatrice Kelemen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, 400006, Romania; Molecular Biology Centre, Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, 400271, Romania
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Baptista V, Silva M, Ferreira GM, Calçada C, Minas G, Veiga MI, Catarino SO. Optical Spectrophotometry as a Promising Method for Quantification and Stage Differentiation of Plasmodium falciparum Parasites. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:140-149. [PMID: 36490289 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is one of the most life-threatening infectious diseases worldwide, claiming half a million lives yearly. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial for disease control and elimination. Currently used diagnostic methods require blood sampling and fail to detect low-level infections. At the symptomatic stage of infection, the parasites feed on red blood cells' (RBCs) hemoglobin, forming inert crystals, the hemozoin, in the process. Thus, along with parasite maturation inside the RBCs, the hemoglobin and hemozoin proportion is inversely related, and they generate specific optical spectra, according to their concentration. Herein, to address the issues of finger prick sampling and the lack of sensitivity of the parasitological test, we explored the optical features of Plasmodium falciparum-infected RBCs through absorbance and reflectance spectrophotometric characterization, aiming for their detection. This is the first work fully characterizing the spectrophotometric properties of P. falciparum-infected RBCs by using only 16 specific wavelengths within the visible optical spectra and two different post-processing algorithms. With such an innovative methodology, low-level infections can be detected and quantified, and early- and late-stage development can be clearly distinguished, not only improving the current detection limits but also proving the successful applicability of spectrophotometry for competitive and accurate malaria diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitória Baptista
- Microelectromechanical Systems Research Unit (CMEMS-UMinho), School of Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal.,LABBELS─Associate Laboratory, 4800-058 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's─PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Guimarães, Braga/, Portugal
| | - Miguel Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's─PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Guimarães, Braga/, Portugal
| | - Gabriel M Ferreira
- Microelectromechanical Systems Research Unit (CMEMS-UMinho), School of Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal.,LABBELS─Associate Laboratory, 4800-058 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Carla Calçada
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's─PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Guimarães, Braga/, Portugal
| | - Graça Minas
- Microelectromechanical Systems Research Unit (CMEMS-UMinho), School of Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal.,LABBELS─Associate Laboratory, 4800-058 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Maria Isabel Veiga
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's─PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Guimarães, Braga/, Portugal
| | - Susana O Catarino
- Microelectromechanical Systems Research Unit (CMEMS-UMinho), School of Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal.,LABBELS─Associate Laboratory, 4800-058 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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3
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Baptista V, Peng WK, Minas G, Veiga MI, Catarino SO. Review of Microdevices for Hemozoin-Based Malaria Detection. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12020110. [PMID: 35200370 PMCID: PMC8870200 DOI: 10.3390/bios12020110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite being preventable and treatable, malaria still puts almost half of the world's population at risk. Thus, prompt, accurate and sensitive malaria diagnosis is crucial for disease control and elimination. Optical microscopy and immuno-rapid tests are the standard malaria diagnostic methods in the field. However, these are time-consuming and fail to detect low-level parasitemia. Biosensors and lab-on-a-chip devices, as reported to different applications, usually offer high sensitivity, specificity, and ease of use at the point of care. Thus, these can be explored as an alternative for malaria diagnosis. Alongside malaria infection inside the human red blood cells, parasites consume host hemoglobin generating the hemozoin crystal as a by-product. Hemozoin is produced in all parasite species either in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Furthermore, hemozoin crystals are produced as the parasites invade the red blood cells and their content relates to disease progression. Hemozoin is, therefore, a unique indicator of infection, being used as a malaria biomarker. Herein, the so-far developed biosensors and lab-on-a-chip devices aiming for malaria detection by targeting hemozoin as a biomarker are reviewed and discussed to fulfil all the medical demands for malaria management towards elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitória Baptista
- Microelectromechanical Systems Research Unit (CMEMS-UMinho), School of Engineering, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal; (G.M.); (S.O.C.)
- LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Weng Kung Peng
- Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Building A1, University Innovation Park, Dongguan 523808, China;
| | - Graça Minas
- Microelectromechanical Systems Research Unit (CMEMS-UMinho), School of Engineering, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal; (G.M.); (S.O.C.)
- LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Maria Isabel Veiga
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Susana O. Catarino
- Microelectromechanical Systems Research Unit (CMEMS-UMinho), School of Engineering, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal; (G.M.); (S.O.C.)
- LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
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Giacometti M, Monticelli M, Piola M, Milesi F, Coppadoro L, Giuliani E, Jacchetti E, Raimondi MT, Ferrari G, Antinori S, Fiore GB, Bertacco R. On-chip magnetophoretic capture in a model of malaria-infected red blood cells. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:1129-1141. [PMID: 34984673 PMCID: PMC9306751 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The search for new rapid diagnostic tests for malaria is a priority for developing an efficient strategy to fight this endemic disease, which affects more than 3 billion people worldwide. In this paper, we characterize systematically an easy-to-operate lab-on-chip, designed for the magnetophoretic capture of malaria-infected red blood cells. The method relies on the positive magnetic susceptibility of infected red blood cells with respect to blood plasma. A matrix of nickel posts fabricated in a silicon chip placed face down is aimed at attracting infected cells, while healthy cells sediment on a glass slide under the action of gravity. Using a model of infected red blood cells, i.e. erythrocytes with methaemoglobin, we obtained a capture efficiency of about 70% after 10 minutes in static conditions. By proper agitation, the capture efficiency reached 85% after just 5 minutes. Sample preparation requires only a 1:10 volume dilution of whole blood, previously treated with heparin, in a phosphate buffered solution. Nonspecific attraction of untreated red blood cells was not observed in the same time interval. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Giacometti
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - M Monticelli
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - M Piola
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - F Milesi
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - L Coppadoro
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - E Giuliani
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - E Jacchetti
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy.,Interuniversity Center for the promotion of the 3Rs principles in teaching and research, 56122, Pisa, Italy
| | - M T Raimondi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy.,Interuniversity Center for the promotion of the 3Rs principles in teaching and research, 56122, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Ferrari
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - S Antinori
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157, Milano, Italy
| | - G B Fiore
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy.,Interuniversity Center for the promotion of the 3Rs principles in teaching and research, 56122, Pisa, Italy
| | - R Bertacco
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy.,IFN-CNR, c/o Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy
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Abstract
The challenges in malaria diagnosis continue to threaten the malaria elimination goal in India and other malaria-endemic countries. A rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kit is widely used in resource-constrained areas where microscopy and molecular methods are not easily deployable. Considering the problems associated with the currently available RDT kit, such as histidine-rich protein 2 gene deletion and prolonged stability of the protein in the blood, it suggests that new potential biomarkers are urgently needed. Hemozoin (Hz) is an important biomarker for malaria diagnosis, which is the by-product of a detoxification mechanism in the malaria parasite. This article highlights the importance of "Hz" for point-of-care malaria diagnosis when India and other countries are moving toward the goal of malaria elimination.
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Traore O, Compaore M, Okusa P, Hubinon F, Duez P, Blankert B, Kindrebeogo M. Development and validation of an original magneto-chromatography device for the whole blood determination of hemozoin, the paramagnetic malaria pigment. Microchem J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2020.105043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Varo R, Balanza N, Mayor A, Bassat Q. Diagnosis of clinical malaria in endemic settings. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 19:79-92. [PMID: 32772759 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1807940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malaria continues to be a major global health problem, with over 228 million cases and 405,000 deaths estimated to occur annually. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of malaria is essential to decrease the burden and impact of this disease, particularly in children. We aimed to review the main available techniques for the diagnosis of clinical malaria in endemic settings and explore possible future options to improve its rapid recognition. AREAS COVERED literature relevant to malaria diagnosis was identified through electronic searches in Pubmed, with no language or date restrictions and limited to humans. EXPERT OPINION Light microscopy is still considered the gold standard method for malaria diagnosis and continues to be at the frontline of malaria diagnosis. However, technologies as rapid diagnostic tests, mainly those who detect histidine-rich protein-2, offer an accurate, rapid and affordable alternative for malaria diagnosis in endemic areas. They are now the technique most extended in endemic areas for parasitological confirmation. In these settings, PCR-based assays are usually restricted to research and they are not currently helpful in the management of clinical malaria. Other technologies, such as isothermal methods could be an interesting and alternative approach to PCR in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosauro Varo
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat De Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain.,Centro De Investigação Em Saúde De Manhiça (CISM) , Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Núria Balanza
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat De Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alfredo Mayor
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat De Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain.,Centro De Investigação Em Saúde De Manhiça (CISM) , Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Quique Bassat
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat De Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain.,Centro De Investigação Em Saúde De Manhiça (CISM) , Maputo, Mozambique.,ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23 , Barcelona, Spain.,Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Pediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan De Deu (University of Barcelona) , Barcelona, Spain.,Consorcio De Investigación Biomédica En Red De Epidemiología Y Salud Publica (CIBERESP) , Madrid, Spain
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8
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Mbanefo A, Kumar N. Evaluation of Malaria Diagnostic Methods as a Key for Successful Control and Elimination Programs. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:E102. [PMID: 32575405 PMCID: PMC7344938 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5020102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization's (WHO's) world malaria report for 2018, there were 228 million cases and 405,000 deaths worldwide. This paper reviews and highlights the importance of accurate, sensitive and affordable diagnostic methods in the fight against malaria. The PubMed online database was used to search for publications that examined the different diagnostic tests for malaria. Currently used diagnostic methods include microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests (RDT), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Upcoming methods were identified as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), isothermal thermophilic helicase-dependent amplification (tHDA), saliva-based test for nucleic-acid amplification, saliva-based test for Plasmodium protein detection, urine malaria test (UMT), and transdermal hemozoin detection. RDT, despite its increasing false negative, is still the most feasible diagnostic test because it is easy to use, fast, and does not need expensive equipment. Noninvasive tests that do not require a blood sample, but use saliva or urine, are some of the recent tests under development that have the potential to aid malaria control and elimination. Emerging resistance to anti-malaria drugs and to insecticides used against vectors continues to thwart progress in controlling malaria. Therefore, future innovation will be required to enable the application of more sensitive and affordable methods in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afoma Mbanefo
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Nirbhay Kumar
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
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Gitta B, Kilian N. Diagnosis of Malaria Parasites Plasmodium spp. in Endemic Areas: Current Strategies for an Ancient Disease. Bioessays 2019; 42:e1900138. [PMID: 31830324 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fast and effective detection of the causative agent of malaria in humans, protozoan Plasmodium parasites, is of crucial importance for increasing the effectiveness of treatment and to control a devastating disease that affects millions of people living in endemic areas. The microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood films still remains the gold-standard in Plasmodium detection today. However, there is a high demand for alternative diagnostic methods that are simple, fast, highly sensitive, ideally do not rely on blood-drawing and can potentially be conducted by the patients themselves. Here, the history of Plasmodium detection is discussed, and advantages and disadvantages of diagnostic methods that are currently being applied are assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Gitta
- Matibabu, 120 Semawata Rd, Ntinda, Kampala, 00256, Uganda
| | - Nicole Kilian
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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10
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Catarino SO, Felix P, Sousa PJ, Pinto V, Veiga MI, Minas G. Portable Device for Optical Quantification of Hemozoin in Diluted Blood Samples. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2019; 67:365-371. [PMID: 31034403 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2019.2913454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This paper focuses on a novel and portable device prototype with optical detectors to quickly and efficiently detect hemozoin (Hz) in blood, aiming at malaria diagnostics. METHODS Taking advantage of the particular features of malaria parasite in infected blood, particularly the Hz formation, the main innovation described is a portable device for the optical quantification of parasitic Hz in blood, through optical absorbance spectrophotometry. This device comprises detection chambers for fluidic samples, an optical emission and detection system, and a power supply system to provide autonomy. The working principle is based on colorimetric detection, by absorbance, at six specific wavelengths. A detection algorithm relates the absorbance values at all wavelengths to quantify the Hz concentration, thus working as a biomarker of malaria presence and stage. RESULTS Under the tested conditions, e.g., in fluidic samples containing synthetic Hz, hemoglobin, and diluted whole blood, the device detected Hz above 1 μg/mL concentrations with 100% sensitivity and 96.3% specificity. CONCLUSION This paper features an autonomous, portable, 1-min analysis time, and low-cost per test device, without the need for samples, centrifugation, allowing the use of whole blood. SIGNIFICANCE The presented device is a step ahead for meeting the growing clinical demands for reliable, rapid, portable, and quantitative malaria diagnosis.
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11
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Gilson RC, Deissler RJ, Bihary RF, Condit WC, Thompson ME, Blankenship D, Grimberg KO, Brown RW, Grimberg BT. Growth of Plasmodium falciparum in response to a rotating magnetic field. Malar J 2018; 17:190. [PMID: 29724219 PMCID: PMC5934852 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2333-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium falciparum is the deadliest strain of malaria and the mortality rate is increasing because of pathogen drug resistance. Increasing knowledge of the parasite life cycle and mechanism of infection may provide new models for improved treatment paradigms. This study sought to investigate the paramagnetic nature of the parasite’s haemozoin to inhibit parasite viability. Results Paramagnetic haemozoin crystals, a byproduct of the parasite’s haemoglobin digestion, interact with a rotating magnetic field, which prevents their complete formation, causing the accumulation of free haem, which is lethal to the parasites. Plasmodium falciparum cultures of different stages of intraerythrocytic growth (rings, trophozoites, and schizonts) were exposed to a magnetic field of 0.46 T at frequencies of 0 Hz (static), 1, 5, and 10 Hz for 48 h. The numbers of parasites were counted over the course of one intraerythrocytic life cycle via flow cytometry. At 10 Hz the schizont life stage was most affected by the rotating magnetic fields (p = 0.0075) as compared to a static magnetic field of the same strength. Parasite growth in the presence of a static magnetic field appears to aid parasite growth. Conclusions Sequestration of the toxic haem resulting from haemoglobin digestion is key for the parasites’ survival and the focus of almost all existing anti-malarial drugs. Understanding how the parasites create the haemozoin molecule and the disruption of its creation aids in the development of drugs to combat this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Gilson
- Department of Physics, CWRU College of Arts and Sciences, 2076 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7079, USA.,Department of Pathology, Center for Global Health and Diseases, Biomedical Research Building, Room 427, 2109 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Robert J Deissler
- Department of Physics, CWRU College of Arts and Sciences, 2076 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7079, USA
| | - Richard F Bihary
- Department of Physics, CWRU College of Arts and Sciences, 2076 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7079, USA
| | - William C Condit
- Department of Physics, CWRU College of Arts and Sciences, 2076 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7079, USA
| | - Mary E Thompson
- Department of Physics, CWRU College of Arts and Sciences, 2076 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7079, USA
| | - D'Arbra Blankenship
- Department of Pathology, Center for Global Health and Diseases, Biomedical Research Building, Room 427, 2109 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Kerry O Grimberg
- Department of Pathology, Center for Global Health and Diseases, Biomedical Research Building, Room 427, 2109 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Robert W Brown
- Department of Physics, CWRU College of Arts and Sciences, 2076 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7079, USA
| | - Brian T Grimberg
- Department of Pathology, Center for Global Health and Diseases, Biomedical Research Building, Room 427, 2109 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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12
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Krampa FD, Aniweh Y, Awandare GA, Kanyong P. Recent Progress in the Development of Diagnostic Tests for Malaria. Diagnostics (Basel) 2017; 7:diagnostics7030054. [PMID: 28925968 PMCID: PMC5617953 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics7030054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of malaria on global health has continually prompted the need to develop effective diagnostic strategies. In malaria endemic regions, routine diagnosis is hampered by technical and infrastructural challenges to laboratories. These laboratories lack standard facilities, expertise or diagnostic supplies; thus, therapy is administered based on clinical or self-diagnosis. There is the need for accurate diagnosis of malaria due to the continuous increase in the cost of medication, and the emergence and spread of drug resistant strains. However, the widely utilized Giemsa-stained microscopy and immunochromatographic tests for malaria are liable to several drawbacks, including inadequate sensitivity and false-positive outcomes. Alternative methods that offer improvements in performance are either expensive, have longer turnaround time or require a level of expertise that makes them unsuitable for point-of-care (POC) applications. These gaps necessitate exploration of more efficient detection techniques with the potential of POC applications, especially in resource-limited settings. This minireview discusses some of the recent trends and new approaches that are seeking to improve the clinical diagnosis of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis D Krampa
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Yaw Aniweh
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Gordon A Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Prosper Kanyong
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
- Nanotechnology & Integrated Bioengineering Centre, Ulster University, Jordanstown BT37 0QB, UK.
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