Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Malaria in an Endemic Area

Basing treatment decisions on the results of rapid diagnostic tests resulted in high adherence to national treatment guidelines.

In many malaria-endemic areas, treatment for malaria is based solely on clinical symptoms because laboratory confirmation is unavailable. This practice often leaves the true cause of illness untreated and can promote antimalarial drug resistance. Researchers recently conducted an observational study in rural Tanzania, where malaria is holoendemic and a leading cause of death, to determine whether rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) might improve the appropriateness of therapy.

Health workers and volunteers at 12 dispensaries received 1 day of training, during which they learned how to perform RDTs, interpret the results, and treat according to national malaria treatment algorithms. From December 2007 through October 2008, patients aged ≥5 years wh…

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine