#malarial antigen test

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Fmd Diagnostic Centre is the perfect place to go for high-quality diagnostic services. With the latest technology and a team of highly skilled professionals, you can rest assured you’re in good hands.

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Malaria presents with periodic flu-like symptoms and should be suspected in any ill patient with a history of travel from an endemic region. Diagnosis is primarily made by examining thick and thin blood smears for speciation and percent parasitemia. All malarial species produce intra-erythrocytic rings (trophozoites). Rapid antigen testing may also be available and can distinguish between P. falciparum and P. vivax. Treatment with chloroquine is standard for mild-to-moderate disease. Due to chloroquine resistance, however, artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) is commonly used. ACT options include dihydroartemisinin, artesunate, mefloquine, or artemether in combination with other antimalarials (eg, piperaquine or mefloquine).

Severe disease should be treated with intravenous artesunate. The anti-hypnozoite drug primaquine is also necessary for P. vivax and P. ovale because of their ability to cause relapse due to dormant hypnozoite forms within the liver. To prevent acute hemolysis, it is important to test for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency prior to initiating primaquine. Of note, P. falciparum is known to produce fulminant disease, including hemolytic anemia, renal failure, pulmonary edema, central nervous system disease, hypoglycemia, liver failure, and lactic acidosis. Rapid treatment is therefore essential to prevent poor outcomes.

Gonorrhea is diagnosed with NAAT of a swab or culture on Thayer-Martin media. Once the samples have been obtained, the patient can be initiated on antimicrobial therapy. The standard therapy would be ceftriaxone 250 mg intramuscularly (IM) as a single dose, plus azithromycin 1 g orally (due to increasing resistance) or doxycycline 100 mg orally twice daily for 7 days.

Wilson disease results in inappropriate deposition of copper in the liver, brain, and other tissues due to impaired clearance of copper into the bile. It is an autosomal-recessive disease affecting chromosome 13. Signs and symptoms are the consequence of cirrhosis, basal ganglia deterioration, and deposition of copper in other tissues, causing hepatic failure, neurologic abnormalities, hemolytic anemia, and Kayser-Fleischer rings around the iris.

Basic labs will reveal hemolytic anemia (decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit with elevated bilirubin as well as decreased haptoglobin and increased reticulocyte count) and elevated liver enzymes due to liver inflammation and cirrhosis. Decreased ceruloplasmin (less than 20 mg/dL) and low serum copper concentration are consistent with Wilson disease and should prompt confirmatory workup, including 24-hour urine copper excretion. Low serum copper levels may seem paradoxical; however, it should be remembered that ceruloplasmin is the primary copper binding protein and is responsible for the majority of copper contained in the serum. Low ceruloplasmin results in a low total serum copper, despite the fact that total-body copper is in excess. This excess, while not measurable in the serum at a specific point in time, is measurable as increased urinary excretion over the course of the day, which is why a 24-hour urine copper is needed.

Kayser-Fleischer rings are present in 50% of patients with active liver disease but without any neurologic involvement. When neurologic symptoms present (dysarthria, dystonia, tremor, parkinsonism, choreoathetosis, ataxia, cognitive impairment), Kayser-Fleischer rings are present in 98% of patients.

Gastric cancer presents with left supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. Left supraclavicular adenopathy (known as the Virchow node) suggests an abdominal source, such as the stomach, gallbladder, or pancreas.

In any patient with an upper GI bleed, it is important to ask for recent anticoagulation use and a history of prior bleeding or endoscopy as up to 60% of recurrent GI bleeding is from the same lesion. Other important considerations in the history include: if the patient has a history of H. pylori, cirrhosis, odynophagia, or the use of antiplatelet agents.

Esophageal varices and peptic ulcers are common and easily treatable causes of bleeding in pts with cirrhosis.

Bottom Line: The most common causes of upper GI bleeding include peptic ulcer disease, severe or erosive gastritis/duodenitis/esophagitis, esophagogastric varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy, angiodysplasia, Mallory-Weiss syndrome, mass lesions (polyps/cancers).

Besides varices, other major complications of cirrhosis include ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatorenal syndrome, hepatopulmonary syndrome, however, in patients with acute decompensation due to upper GI bleeding, the most urgent conditions to evaluate for include the development of hepatic encephalopathy, SBP, and hepatorenal syndrome.

Bottom Line: A patient with cirrhosis and acute upper GI bleeding should have 2 large-bore IVs or a large-bore, single-lumen central catheter placed, be resuscitated with IV fluids, transfused blood as needed, started on an IV proton pump inhibitor drip, an IV octreotide drip, and IV antibiotics for SBP prophylaxis, and will generally require ICU admission. An EGD should be performed within 24 hours of admission, but ideally as soon as possible, once the patient is hemodynamically stable.

Management of critical patients with upper GI bleeding generally follows the same trajectory. Get as much history as possible to localize risk factors for bleeding and options to inform immediate pharmacologic treatment (PPI vs octreotide vs both). Give blood and fluids. Consult gastroenterology for EGD. If the patient cannot undergo EGD or this is not available or had a recent EGD with bleeding that is not amenable to further endoscopic therapy, consult IR for embolization.

Those patients found to have SBP should receive hepatorenal syndrome prophylaxis with albumin on days 1 (1.5g/kg) and 3 (1g/kg) of admission if they meet the criteria.

Multiple trials evaluating the effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics in cirrhotic patients hospitalized for GI bleeding suggest an overall reduction in infectious complications and possibly decreased mortality. Antibiotics may also reduce the risk of recurrent bleeding in hospitalized patients who bled from esophageal varices.

Diagnose pheochromocytoma with urine metanephrine and normetanephrine levels. The most appropriate drug therapy prior to adrenalectomy for suspected pheochromocytoma consists of phenoxybenzamine followed by the addition of propranolol (if needed for heart rate control). Preoperative treatment for surgical resection of pheochromocytoma involves alpha-receptor blockade. This can be followed by beta-receptor blockade if needed for further heart rate control, usually 2 to 3 days before surgery.

7 to 14 days of phenoxybenzamine and 2 to 3 days of propranolol prior to surgery (if needed for heart rate control), with the continuation of propranolol perioperatively. The most important aspect of treatment in patients with pheochromocytoma with respect to preoperative antihypertensive therapy is alpha-receptor blockade. Alpha-receptor blockade prevents the hypertensive effect of overstimulation by the catecholamines released from the adrenal medulla. Beta-receptor blockade should follow, which prevents rebound tachycardia (goal heart rate should be 60-80/min) in the setting of unopposed alpha blockade. The clinical guidelines from the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism released in 2014 currently support the use of alpha-blockers for blood pressure control prior to surgery. Beta-blockers can be added afterward if needed. Of note, selective alpha-1-receptor blockers, such as prazosin or doxazosin, may be used instead of phenoxybenzamine in certain situations, such as in patients who have significant benign prostatic hyperplasia and may already be on low doses of these medications or if the patient cannot tolerate the first-line agents listed above. Metoprolol can also be administered instead of propranolol or atenolol.

There is a rule of 10's associated with pheochromocytoma: 10% are extra-adrenal, 10% are bilateral, 10% are malignant, and 10% occur in children. Some people add that 10% will recur after excision within 10 years and 10% will be found after a significant stroke. It was previously thought that about 10% were familial; however, that number has been adjusted upward as more and more genetic and familial diseases have been linked with the development of pheochromocytoma. It is now thought that about 40% of pheochromocytomas are associated with some kind of underlying genetic predisposition. Malignant pheochromocytomas are biologically and histologically indistinguishable from benign pheochromocytomas. The only way to determine malignancy is to observe local infiltrative disease or find evidence of metastatic spread. Thus, even benign pheochromocytomas found on excision will need clinical follow-up.

Most authors advocate obtaining 24-hour fractionated urine metanephrines if the clinical suspicion is low, and serum metanephrines if the clinical suspicion is high. Serum metanephrines have a decreased specificity, and positive testing may result in unnecessary imaging and follow-up, which is why it is not recommended as the first-line test for all patients.

HAs, diaphoresis, HTN = pheo

Gastrinoma (Zollinger-Ellison) - initial test that should be ordered is a fasting serum gastrin level. If elevated, it should be followed by a secretin infusion test. Somatostatin-receptor scintigraphy is the imaging test of choice as it detects for primary or metastatic lesions. Treatment includes intravenous (IV) proton pump inhibitors and surgical resection. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is also associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1. MEN 1 is also known as Werner's syndrome and presents with the 3 Ps: parathyroid tumors; pituitary tumors, including prolactinoma; and pancreatic endocrine tumors, including insulinomas, vipomas, glucagonomas, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

The initial test of choice for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a fasting serum gastrin (off proton pump inhibitors). The diagnosis is confirmed with a secretin infusion test. It is associated with MEN1.

[believerschtl]

MICROBIOLOGY IN BEST HOSPITAL IN KERALA, BELIEVERS CHURCH MEDICAL HOSPITAL

Department of Microbiology has laboratory which caters to the out-patients and in-patients. The laboratory service provided by certified technical staff is supervised by Clinical Microbiologists. Emergency service is provided by the laboratory technician on duty. We ensure accurate and prompt diagnosis of various infections/diseases in the Microbiology laboratory. The reports are released online.

The investigations available in Microbiology are the following

Bacteriology cultures, identification & antimicrobial susceptibility testing by conventional and automated techniques like BacT Alert and Vitek 2 Compact systems.

Mycobacteriology (Microscopy & culture)

Mycology (Microscopy & culture)

Parasitology

Serological tests such as Widal, Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR), Anti-streptolysin O (ASO) titre, C-reactive protein (CRP) and Rheumatoid factor (RA)

Hepatitis B surface antigen, HIV & HCV antibodies by CLIA

Leptospira, Malarial antigen and Dengue antibody by ELISA and rapid methods

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) and other immunological tests

Inhalant & food allergen panel by line immune assay

H pylori antigen detection in stool

PCR for TB & HBV (TRUNAT)

In house culture, media preparation and quality control are performed routinely. The Department participates in the External Quality Control Scheme by RML and PGIMER (Chandigarh) regularly.

Active participation in Hospital Infection Control Activities by the Department include surveillance activities, antibiotic stewardship, and training programs for Healthcare workers.

OUR DOCTORS

Renu Mathew, Professor & HOD

Marina Thomas, Professor

Tribeni Goswami, Assistant Professor

Anjali Annie Jacob, Assistant Professor

Reena Annie Jose, Assistant Professor

Jennie Ann Johnson Samuel, Assistant Professor

Sherin Susan Abraham, Assistant Professor

Arun Sachu N N, Assistant Professor

[subornafermi]

MALARIAL ANTIGEN

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Malaria Ag Rapid Testing Technological Growth Map over Time

Malaria Ag Rapid Testing Market Overview

According to the latest research by Future Market Insights, Malaria Ag rapid Testing Market is set to experience 5% growth during the year 2021-2031.

Malaria Ag rapid testing kits allows for quick detection of malarial antigen present in human body without the use of microscopes or in lab set-ups.

Primary advantage of using a rapid testing kit is its ease of collection, cost effectiveness, safety and user friendly.

What is Driving the Demand for Malaria Ag Rapid Testing Market

Malaria Ag rapid testing or rapid diagnostic test are lateral flow immunochromatographic antigen detection test, usually available in test strip or cassette form. These test detect the presence of malarial parasite antigen, in an infected human blood giving results within 15 minutes. Such procedures are simple, safe and easier for quick diagnosis of malaria at an initial stage and does not require special equipment or training.

An increasing number of cases of malaria in tropical countries along with increasing travelers visiting these countries, and in turn getting infected by malaria, can be seen rising in recent years.

Also the unavailability of lab testing for diagnosis of malaria in most endemic countries has further increased the necessity for the malaria antigen rapid tests.

A per the 2019-20 report by World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 229 Mn cases of malaria was found globally in 87 malaria-endemic countries in 2019.

Of which, 05 countries in Africa region namely, Nigeria (27%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (12%), Uganda (5%), Mozambique (4%) and Niger (3%), accounted for about 51% of the global cases.

Thus, the demand for the Malaria Ag rapid testing market is likely to provide incremental opportunity in the forecasted period.

For more insights into the market, request a sample of this report https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-13904

Which Factors are likely to Augment the Growth of the Malaria Ag Rapid Testing Market

The field of malaria Ag rapid testing market is witnessing series of advancements and is further expected to offer effective diagnostic solutions for infections caused by malaria.

An increasing number of deaths caused due to non-diagnosis of malaria at early stages and increased resistance of parasite especially

P.falciparum to anti-malarial drugs has increased the need for these rapid diagnostic tests to diagnose the disease at the earliest and provide for treatment of same.

As per the 2019-20 report by World Health Organization (WHO), 67% (274,000) of the total deaths caused by malaria, at global level, consisted of children below 5 years of age, in 2019.

Investment in malaria programs and research & development for malaria control and elimination are being undertaken by government and industry players in various regions. Various Public and private sector organizations are also playing major role in promoting and supporting the clinical development of key products.

A per the 2019-20 report by World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated US$ 3 Bn was the total funding provided for malaria control and elimination.

Out of this total, US$ 900 Mn (31% of total funds) of funding was contributed by the government of endemic countries.

It is thus, expected for the malaria Ag rapid test market to seek a growth in the forecasted period.

Request a Complete TOC of this Report with figures: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-13904

North America Malaria Ag Rapid Testing Market Outlook

North America market growth is largely driven by the prevalence of “Airport” Malaria, a common term referring to the malarial infection caused due to the travelling population. Those who visit the malaria-endemic countries and in return get themselves exposed to the infection, resulting in transmission of the infection to the non-infected ones.

As per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report in 2019, approximately 2000 cases of malaria are detected every year in United States.

This is majorly due to increasing number of returning travelers and immigrants coming from countries where malaria transmission happened such as Sub Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Early detection of such cases can reduce future complications as well as risk of transmission associated with the infection. The FDA approved BinaxNOW rapid diagnostic test kit can test for malaria in an individual and help confirm the result.

Alternatively, various policy developments, scientific researches and initiatives, mosquito control programs undertaken by government to eliminate and to reduce the malaria transmission in this segment are expected to further improve the market scenario of Malaria Ag rapid testing.

With increasing number of malaria cases, it is believed to promote the growth of the malaria rapid testing market in the forecasted period.

Europe Demand Outlook for Malaria Ag rapid testing

Europe is anticipated to be the largest market for Malaria Ag rapid testing.

The continuous increase in business related/leisure travels, or migratory movements for employment to and from endemic countries have increased the chances of importing malaria to a malaria-free or non-endemic countries.

As per European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) Annual epidemiological report in 2019, 8641 cases of malarial were reported in Europe region, of which 99% of the cases were confirmed to be travel related infected malaria cases, while the rest 1% was acquired in the Europe.

For any queries linked with the report, ask an analyst

https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-13904

A trend was observed in travel – related cases when the number of infections increase during or immediately after summer holidays (July –September).

The continuous efforts of government and private players in increasing the awareness about the control and management of malarial cases, growing research and development activities to diagnose malarial causing species in the European region which will further facilitate the growth of the market in the forecasted period.

Who are the key Manufacturers and Suppliers of the Malaria Ag Rapid Testing

Some of the key players of Malaria Ag rapid testing include

Abbott

Accuquik™ Test Kits (USA) Advy Chemical Pvt. Ltd.

Arkray Healthcare Pvt Ltd

CTK Biotech Inc.

Biotrol laboratories Pvt. Ltd.

malarex Limited (UK)

Alere

Ameritek Inc.

Apacor ltd.

Atmo Diagnostics

Biosynex

Boson Biotech Co. Ltd.

HWTAi BioTec

Nectar Lifesciences

standard Diagnostics

TCS Biosciences Ltd

Teco Diagnostics

okchem.com Bio Lab Diagnostics (I) Private Limited

China Tianjin Recare Co., Ltd

Avecon Healthcare Pvt Ltd.

Companies offering Malaria Ag rapid testing are involved in existing product upgrades, new product launches, mergers and collaborations to enhance their market position.

The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain.

The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments.

The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.

Malaria Ag Rapid Testing Market Report Highlights:

Detailed overview of parent market

Changing market dynamics in the industry

In-depth market segmentation

Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value

Recent industry trends and developments

Competitive landscape

Strategies of key players and products offered

Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth

A neutral perspective on market performance

Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprint

NOTE - All statements of fact, opinion, or analysis expressed in reports are those of the respective analysts. They do not necessarily reflect formal positions or views of the company

Key Segments

By Product Type:

Test Strip

Cassette

By Distribution Channel:

Drugstore

Retail Pharmacy

Hospital Chain Pharmacy

Online Pharmacy

By Region:

North America

Latin America

Europe

South Asia

East Asia

Oceania

Middle East and Africa

About FMI: Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India. FMI’s latest market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.

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[areyouhealthy]

Malarial Antigen Vivax & Falciparum Test

Malarial Antigen Vivax & Falciparum Test

Rs. 600

[biotechtimes]

ICMR scientists identify new biomarker for malaria

New Post has been published on https://biotechtimes.org/2019/06/24/icmr-scientists-identify-new-biomarker-for-malaria/

ICMR scientists identify new biomarker for malaria

New biomarker for malaria identified

By Dr. Aditi Jain

New Delhi, June 24: Detection of malaria infection could become more accurate soon. A team of researchers from Indian Council of Medical Research’s Jabalpur-based National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH) has identified a genetic sequence in the body of malaria parasite that promises to help develop a more sensitive diagnostic test for the disease.

Currently, tests used for diagnosing malaria are based on a gene, Histidine-rich Protein 2(HRP2), which is rich in an amino acid called Histidine. However, studies have shown that this gene is often absent in some strains of the malaria parasite. Consequently, significant levels of malaria infection were going undetected. Scientists across the world have been searching for new biomarkers that would be more effective.

Scientists at the NIRTH have found that an enzyme called glutamate dehydrogenase could offer a solution.

“Our study provides scientific evidence for the conserved nature of glutamate dehydrogenase sequences in Indian isolates which can be used as a potential biomarker for diagnosis of malaria,” said Dr. Praveen Kumar Bharti, leader of the research team.

There are several specific genes in every parasite that can be targeted to identify or kill it. However, these genes are not present in equal measure in all the strains of a parasite. While identifying the genes or proteins for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, scientists choose a gene or protein that shows the least variation across different regions so that it can be used in as wide an area as possible. In scientific terms, such a gene is considered to be well conserved.

In the present study, the scientists looked at three genes: Glutamate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and aldolase of Plasmodium falciparium, a variety of malarial parasite that is the deadliest.

For this, they collected 514 blood samples of malaria-infected patients from the eight malaria- endemic states in the country, isolated DNA from them and amplified the three genes. The genes were then sequenced and nucleotide composition of the samples was compared. Among the three genes, the nucleotide composition of glutamate dehydrogenase was almost the same across the samples.

Analysis of the protein structure of this gene revealed that it folded into similar protein structure across the samples, confirming that it could be a potential biomarker for malaria.

“We are planning to correlate the level of parasites with that of expression of glutamate dehydrogenase gene and their antigen levels in peripheral blood samples of malaria patients. We will then validate the sensitivity and specificity of the test,” explained Dr. Bharti while talking to India Science Wire.

The research team included Amreen Ahmad, Anil Kumar Verma, Sri Krishna, Neeru Singh (National Institute of Research in Tribal Health) and Anjana Sharma (Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur). The research findings have been published in the journal PLoS One. (India Science Wire)

[shobhitagrawal04]

Diagnosis of malaria involves the identification of malarial parasite or its antigen or product in the blood of the patient. The following factors can have bearing on the identification and interpretation of malarial parasite on a diagnostic testhttps://www.pediatriconcall.com/pediatric-journal/view/fulltext-articles/770/J/0/0/415/0

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Importance of rapid diagnostic testing for Malaria

When malaria-infected mosquito bites, the parasite gets into the bloodstream and cause damage to red blood cells that carry oxygen. With red blood cells count reduced, a person will fall ill within a few days or a week. There are many symptoms of malaria, the main one being a high fever.If you are having a fever, feeling chills or headache, It is advisable to get the test for malaria infection at the earliest.There are many types of tests-

Thick and thin blood smears

Rapid diagnostic test

Molecular test

Antibody test

Drug resistance test

Blood test

Parasite-based diagnosis is recommended for the patients suspected of malaria before giving any treatment. Malaria rapid diagnostic test helps in improving the malaria infection in areas where microscopy services are not available.A rapid diagnostic test is a type of point care diagnostic that provides the result immediately either at the health facility, screening site or any other health care provider. Blood is taken through a prick on the finger and the test strip is applied. The test strip colour changes and shows the results of whether malaria is there or not. This test does not specify which malaria parasite caused the infection and whether it is minor or major. For more concrete results, the patient needs to go point of care for blood testing.The point of care test reduces the need for further diagnosis, the treatment is specified and the risk is less. Rapid tests are used in a variety of point of care from homes to clinics and emergency rooms. The point of care blood test provides the required information for the malaria diagnosis. There is an immune chromatographic test for the detection of malaria antigens is getting popular.

Antigens

Immune chromatographic tests capture the parasite antigens from the blood with the use of monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies. These tests do not require a lab, electricity or any special equipment.

Plasmodium aldolase

This is an enzyme of the parasite glycolytic pathway of the blood stages in falciparum. Monoclonal antibodies are specific in the reaction against Plasmodium aldolase.The rapid diagnostic test is based on different test formats such as dipstick, strip, card, pad, well or cassette. These provide appropriate results concerning safety and manipulation. The benefits offered-

A clear plan of action is prepared for dealing with the results. This includes drug treatment or the need for further investigation.

Affordable

Adequate systems are there that ensures RDT is used correctly and is in good condition.

Accuracy of results

Rapid diagnosis test

detects malaria parasites sensitively quite accurately. Sensitivity is determined by the quality of manufacture, species, number, viability, the strain of parasites present, condition of the device, technique used in performing the test and interpretation.Sensitivity depends on the concentration of target antigen present and varies with parasite density. If the infection is high, then the test will achieve high sensitivity and it is low if the parasite densities are low.Therefore, sensitivity and specificity should remain high, to distinguish between malaria and non-malarial fevers. High sensitivity is more important as compared to high specificity because a missed parasitaemia may lead to death.Regardless of the type of disease, RDT is easy to use, requires no special services and minimal training. There is no need for infrastructure or apparatus and can be used at the point of care for blood testing.

[fmdiagnostics]

The Functional Medicine Diagnostic Centre is a state-of-the-art facility that offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic services.

[kathleenseiber]

Antibody ‘kill switch’ could lead to malaria vaccine

A new strategy shows promise in developing a vaccine for malaria, according to a new study.

Researchers screened blood samples from children who had natural immune resistance to severe malaria infection. The study identified an antibody to a particular malaria protein, called PfGARP, that appears to protect resistant children from severe disease.

Lab tests showed that antibodies to PfGARP seem to activate a malarial self-destruct mechanism, causing parasite cells living inside human red blood cells to undergo a form of programmed cell death.

“What’s exciting is that this is a vaccination strategy that attacks malaria in a way that it has never been attacked before.”

The team is hopeful that vaccinating people with PfGARP to generate anti-PfGARP antibodies, or directly infusing anti-PfGARP antibodies, would protect them against severe malaria. They developed preliminary versions of those vaccines, and testing in nonhuman primates has shown promise, the researchers report.

“We demonstrated in two independent studies in nonhuman primates that vaccination with PfGARP protects against a lethal malaria parasite,” says Jonathan Kurtis, a professor at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and senior author of the paper in Nature.

“What’s exciting is that this is a vaccination strategy that attacks malaria in a way that it has never been attacked before—one in which the parasite becomes complicit in its own demise. We are hopeful that this vaccine, perhaps combined with other malarial antigens, will translate into a strategy that can help prevent severe malaria in people.”

Will malaria vaccine work?

Testing of a human malaria vaccine is likely years away, the researchers say, and there’s no way to be certain it will work. But the team is hopeful that the approach taken in this study, which looks for the factors that contribute to naturally occurring disease resistance, will prove effective where other approaches have not.

The results described in this new paper were nearly 20 years in the making, beginning with epidemiological research from Michal Fried and Patrick Duffy of the National Institutes of Health. Starting around 2001, they began recruiting cohorts of children in Tanzania.

Researchers enrolled the children at birth and followed them for years to see who among them developed an acquired immune response to malaria.

“There was a ton of hard epidemiological work that went into simply identifying which kids were resistant and which weren’t,” Kurtis says. “Only after we knew their resistance levels could we use this information to identify the parasite targets that were recognized by antibodies made only by the resistant kids but not by the susceptible kids.”

For the latest research, the team selected 12 resistant and 14 susceptible children from the Tanzanian cohort and looked at blood samples taken from the children around age two, when naturally acquired immunity seems to develop.

Using a sophisticated method to introduce malaria proteins to each blood sample one by one, the researchers could look for any antibodies to a particular protein that were present in the resistant samples and not in the susceptible samples. That work identified PfGARP as a potential factor in conferring resistance.

Having identified PfGARP, the researchers then examined whether antibody responses to PfGARP were associated with resistance in a larger sample of 246 children. They found that children without anti-PfGARP antibodies had a 2.5 times higher risk of severe malaria compared to those who had the antibody.

Malaria hosts in distress

The next step was trying to understand how anti-PfGARP antibodies affect the parasite. A series of laboratory experiments showed that malarial trophozoite cells, which live and feed off of nutrients inside red blood cells, produced the PfGARP protein. The protein is then transported to the outer membrane of the red blood cell, where it makes the parasite cell vulnerable to the antibody.

“It’s a kill switch,” Kurtis says. “When the antibody binds to the protein, it sends a signal that tells the trophozoite to shrivel up and die. When we introduce the antibody to samples in petri dishes, we end up with 98% or 99% dead parasites.”

The activity of the protein begs the question of why an organism would evolve such a self-destruct mechanism. Kurtis thinks it might have evolved as a means of sensing when the parasite’s host is in distress.

“It’s not necessarily in a parasite’s best interest to kill its host,” Kurtis says. “Keeping the host infected but alive means more chances for the parasite to reproduce. So what this might be is a means of sensing a host in distress and then reducing parasite load accordingly.”

The anti-PfGARP antibody hijacks that evolved system and turns it against the parasite.

Having shown that PfGARP antibodies kill the parasite, the researchers developed two types of PfGARP vaccines. Both offered protection in nonhuman primates exposed to a human form of malaria.

Parasite life cycle

Previous efforts to develop vaccines against malaria have met with limited success. But the researchers say they have reason to believe this new strategy may succeed where others have failed. That’s because it attacks the parasite at a different point in the infection cycle from other vaccines.

When an infected mosquito bites someone, it injects thread-like cells called sporozoites, which travel through the bloodstream to the liver.

There, the parasite morphs into a different type of cell called merozoites that exit the liver in large quantities to infect red blood cells. Once they’ve invaded red blood cells, the parasites morph again into trophozoites, which feed off of the nutrients inside the cell before they burst out to start the cycle again.

An existing vaccine that targets the first stage—aiming to prevent infection of the liver—has had limited success. That’s partly because the time window to intervene is so small, Kurtis says.

“It takes five minutes for the parasite to go from the mosquito to the liver. Because it’s so quick, the amount of antibody needed to stop it is huge. And if just one sporozoite gets in, you’ve got malaria,” he explains.

This new vaccine targets the trophozoite stage, which lasts up to a day, Kurtis says. The researchers hope that the longer window for intervention will reduce the amount of antibody needed to kill the parasite, and thereby make for a more effective vaccine.

“This gives us 24 hours as opposed to 5 minutes to intervene,” Kurtis says. “During that time, the parasite expresses PfGARP—a kill switch. We have designed a vaccine that activates it.”

The researchers plan to continue testing different versions of the vaccine in animal models and ultimately to begin human trials in the coming years.

The National Institutes of Health, a Lifespan Hospital System Research Pilot Award, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supported the work.

Source: Brown University

The post Antibody ‘kill switch’ could lead to malaria vaccine appeared first on Futurity.

Antibody ‘kill switch’ could lead to malaria vaccine published first on https://triviaqaweb.weebly.com/

[i-denimmark-love-blog]

Importance of rapid diagnostic testing for Malaria

When malaria-infected mosquito bites, the parasite gets into the bloodstream and cause damage to red blood cells that carry oxygen. With red blood cells count reduced, a person will fall ill within a few days or a week. There are many symptoms of malaria, the main one being a high fever.

If you are having a fever, feeling chills or headache, It is advisable to get the test for malaria infection at the earliest.

There are many types of tests-

Thick and thin blood smears

Rapid diagnostic test

Molecular test

Antibody test

Drug resistance test

Blood test

Parasite-based diagnosis is recommended for the patients suspected of malaria before giving any treatment. Malaria rapid diagnostic test helps in improving the malaria infection in areas where microscopy services are not available.

A rapid diagnostic test is a type of point care diagnostic that provides the result immediately either at the health facility, screening site or any other health care provider. Blood is taken through a prick on the finger and the test strip is applied. The test strip colour changes and shows the results of whether malaria is there or not. This test does not specify which malaria parasite caused the infection and whether it is minor or major. For more concrete results, the patient needs to go point of care for blood testing.

The point of care test reduces the need for further diagnosis, the treatment is specified and the risk is less. Rapid tests are used in a variety of point of care from homes to clinics and emergency rooms.

The point of care blood test provides the required information for the malaria diagnosis. There is an immune chromatographic test for the detection of malaria antigens is getting popular.

Antigens

Immune chromatographic tests capture the parasite antigens from the blood with the use of monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies. These tests do not require a lab, electricity or any special equipment.

Plasmodium aldolase

This is an enzyme of the parasite glycolytic pathway of the blood stages in falciparum. Monoclonal antibodies are specific in the reaction against Plasmodium aldolase.

The rapid diagnostic test is based on different test formats such as dipstick, strip, card, pad, well or cassette. These provide appropriate results concerning safety and manipulation. The benefits offered-

A clear plan of action is prepared for dealing with the results. This includes drug treatment or the need for further investigation.

Affordable

Adequate systems are there that ensures RDT is used correctly and is in good condition.

Accuracy of results

Rapid diagnosis test detects malaria parasites sensitively quite accurately. Sensitivity is determined by the quality of manufacture, species, number, viability, the strain of parasites present, condition of the device, technique used in performing the test and interpretation.

Sensitivity depends on the concentration of target antigen present and varies with parasite density. If the infection is high, then the test will achieve high sensitivity and it is low if the parasite densities are low.

Therefore, sensitivity and specificity should remain high, to distinguish between malaria and non-malarial fevers. High sensitivity is more important as compared to high specificity because a missed parasitaemia may lead to death.

Regardless of the type of disease, RDT is easy to use, requires no special services and minimal training. There is no need for infrastructure or apparatus and can be used at the point of care for blood testing.

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Tender for Procurement Of Pathology Consumables – Elisa Kit, Malarial Antigen Detection Kit, Rapid Test Kit, Chikungunya, Sterile Non Filter…

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CK Birla | CMRI | Blood Bank | Kolkata

Blood Processing Laboratory

CMRI’s laboratory encompasses six sub-laboratories that provide a range of tests and services as described below.

Donor Blood Processing

The Donor Blood Processing sub-laboratory determines ABO group and Rh type, detects unexpected antibodies to red cell antigens and makes confirmations of Rh negative status.

Cross Matching

This includes tests such as ABO grouping, Rh typing, antibody screening and identification. Requests for cross matching are processed using a microtyping card gel System. Tests for cold antibodies are performed where necessary, for instance for patients scheduled for open heart surgery.

Blood Component Laboratory

To ensure maximum economy in the use of blood, this sub-laboratory separates each unit of blood into components, such as packed red cells, fresh frozen plasma and platelets.

Transfusion Transmitted Infection Screening Laboratory

To provide safe blood, CMRI’s automated sub-laboratory screens every unit for HBsAG, anti-HIV 1&2, anti-HCV and VDRL; along with testing for malarial parasites based on the guidelines of NABH and Drug Control of India. CMRI operates the only blood bank in East India—and one of the few blood banks in the country—where Total Core Antibody testing for Hepatitis B is done to prevent Hepatitis-B infection even when HBsAG is negative. All parameters are screened by the enhanced chemiluminescence method; and results can be delivered on the day of the collection itself.

Quality Control Laboratory

To supply high quality blood, strict adherence to quality control at all phases of donor selection, screening and processing of blood and serological procedures for grouping and typing of blood is followed. All reagents, antisera, blood components and equipment are subjected to strict quality checks at periodic intervals according to accepted medical standards. The centre also regularly participates in the External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS) programme of the College of American Pathologists & Christian Medical College, Vellore.

[fmdiagnostics]

The FMD diagnostics Centre for diseases is a world-renowned facility that provides state-of-the-art diagnostic services for a wide range of diseases.

[fmdiagnostics]

The FMD Diagnostic Centre is an excellent facility that provides thorough diagnostic services for illnesses. It is staffed by knowledgeable specialists who give patients with excellent care and is furnished with cutting-edge equipment.