Evaluation of microscopy and first response™ malaria Ag PAN/Pf RDT compared to qPCR and hemoglobin levels in pregnant women at delivery in Busia County, Western Kenya
Cross-sectional study examines malaria diagnostic tools and associated anaemia in pregnant women, suggesting improved strategies needed.
Key Points
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests for diagnosing malaria in pregnant women and their association with haemoglobin levels.
Cross-sectional study of 236 women delivering in Busia County, Kenya (April 2023–March 2024).
Malaria diagnosis performed using microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests, and qPCR.
Haemoglobin levels and ABO blood groups assessed from peripheral blood.
mRDT showed higher sensitivity (90%) but lower specificity (80%) compared to microscopy, which had sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 89%.
Peripheral malaria prevalence was 7.2% for microscopy and 9.0% for qPCR.
Anaemia prevalence was high at 69.9% among participants, with average haemoglobin levels at 10.5 g/dL.