Comparative laboratory diagnosis of malaria: Microscopy versus rapid diagnostic test kits in a tertiary institution of North-Central Nigeria

Laboratory diagnosis of malaria is a vital key for its effective management. Diagnosis of malaria includes rapid, sensitive, and specific test methods. This study was aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of PfHRP2 rapid malaria test with reference to light microscopy for the diagnosis of malaria at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BhUTH) Jos –Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 150 febrile patients attending BHUTH who were sent to the Hospital Laboratory from the General out patients Department (GOPD) for malaria parasite test (MPT)request had their blood sample collected and tested for malaria parasites (MP) using Field Stain A and B stain microscopy and PfHRP2 rapid malaria test between September and November 2021.Results shows that the sensitivity and specificity of PfHRP2 rapid malaria were 9.23% and 90.0% respectively, with corresponding positive and negative predictive values (PPV) as 90.0%and (NPV) as13. 2%. PfHRP2 rapid malaria test showed good sensitivity and specificity that is in agreement with that of the reference light microscopy. The rapid diagnostic test (RDT) results compared well with the light microscopy (Gold standard) for Laboratory diagnosis for malaria. Sustained use of RDT as an alternative to light microscopy is recommended especially in malaria endemic areas and the rural communities where electricity is out of reach.