Evaluation of “Cyscope”, a novel fluorescence-based microscopy technique for the detection of malaria

Lovemore Gwanzura; Justin Mayini; Katherine Mabhanga; Joseph Chipinduro; Kansomba Mashamba; Menard Mutenherwa; Susan L Mutambu; Junior Mutsvangwa; Peter Robert Mason

doi:10.3855/jidc.2054

Evaluation of “Cyscope”, a novel fluorescence-based microscopy technique for the detection of malaria

Authors

Lovemore Gwanzura Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
Justin Mayini Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
Katherine Mabhanga National Institute of Health Research, Harare
Joseph Chipinduro National Institute of Health Research, Harare
Kansomba Mashamba National Institute of Health Research, Harare
Menard Mutenherwa Partec GmbH, Munster, Germany
Susan L Mutambu National Institute of Health Research, Harare
Junior Mutsvangwa Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
Peter Robert Mason Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.2054

Keywords:

malaria, fluorescence-based microscopy technique, diagnosis, resource-limited settings

Abstract

Introduction: This study was designed to compare the detection of malaria parasites in peripheral blood smears using the Cyscope malaria rapid fluorescent microscopic technique and light microscopy of Giemsa-stained smears.

Methodology: A total of 295 blood smears were collected from patients of all age groups presenting with clinical signs and symptoms of malaria to 10 City Health Clinics in Harare. For each patient two blood films were prepared. Microscopic examination was done independently in two laboratories, with one performing the Giemsa stain and the other the Cyscope method. After the tests were completed, the results were then matched and recorded without any alterations.

Results: An equal number of men and women were malaria positive and their ages ranged from five to 66 years. Concordance in the detection of parasites (positive or negative) was 98.6% (291/295). In all four cases of discordance, malaria parasites were detected using the Cyscope but not with conventional microscopy. The Cyscope gave a 100% sensitivity and a specificity of 98.6%.

Conclusion: The Cyscope may be a valuable addition to diagnostics of malaria in resource-limited settings such as Zimbabwe.

Author Biographies

Lovemore Gwanzura, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe

Director of laboratories - BRTI.

Professor - In the Department of Medical Laboratory Sceinces, University of Zimbabwe

Justin Mayini, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe

laboratory scientist at BRTI

Katherine Mabhanga, National Institute of Health Research, Harare

Senior laboratory scientist

Joseph Chipinduro, National Institute of Health Research, Harare

Laboratory scientist

Kansomba Mashamba, National Institute of Health Research, Harare

Laboratory Scientist

Menard Mutenherwa, Partec GmbH, Munster, Germany

Partec Sales Manager

Susan L Mutambu, National Institute of Health Research, Harare

Director of NIHR

Junior Mutsvangwa, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe

Head of Laboratories - BRTI

Peter Robert Mason, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe

Director General - BRTI

Professor - in Dept of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Zimbabwe

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Published

2011-11-30

How to Cite

Gwanzura L, Mayini J, Mabhanga K, Chipinduro J, Mashamba K, Mutenherwa M, Mutambu SL, Mutsvangwa J, Mason PR (2011) Evaluation of “Cyscope”, a novel fluorescence-based microscopy technique for the detection of malaria. J Infect Dev Ctries 6:212–215. doi: 10.3855/jidc.2054

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Issue

Vol. 6 No. 02: February 2012

Section

Technical Notes

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