Malaria Symptoms Diagnosis

The diagnosis of malaria symptoms using the Diamed OptiMAL-IT rapid malaria test is easy, fast and cost effective. The kit detects PLDH (plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase) in blood samples and is ideal for malaria diagnosis, therapy monitoring and therapy control.

Many travellers to exotic locations are aware of the need to take anti-malarial drugs, but many underestimate the clinical risks of contracting the disease. The symptoms usually occur within 9 to 14 days following the bite of an infected mosquito, although the plasmodium parasite may remain dormant in the blood stream for up to a year. Early malaria symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, and tiredness - general flu-like symptoms. The actual symptoms may differ depending on the species that caused the infection. The Diamed OptiMAL-IT rapid malaria test kit differentiates between the Plasmodium species of infection, identifying the potentially fatal P. falciparum, from the less serious P. vivax, P. malariae and P. ovale.

The first stage of plasmodium development in humans takes place in the liver. When the more mature parasites escape from the liver and enter the bloodstream, they infect red blood cells and multiply, causing the red blood cells to burst open after about 2 to 3 days and to release more parasites. The cycle of invasion, multiplication, and red blood cell rupture may be repeated many times. As the parasite multiplies in the blood stream the infected individual may experience bouts of flu-like symptoms. In serious cases the parasite may infect the heart, lungs, kidneys or brain causing serious damage and possibly death.

Flu-like symptoms following a visit to a tropical country (any time up to a year after the trip) must be followed up. Early detection followed by treatment is usually 100% effective at preventing any complications from the disease.

The Diamed OptiMAL-IT kit can also be used for monitoring and controlling therapy. As the concentration of PLDH in the sample decreases, so does the strength of the positive line. The Diamed OptiMAL-IT test kit can be used in the hospital or in a general practitioners surgery.

Find out more about malaria diagnosis using Diamed OptiMAL-IT.