ABSTRACT

Malaria remains a major public health problem in Nigeria, a positive, accurate and reliable microscopy or Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) should preferably be obtained before commencing good diagnosis with treatment. High specificity will improve the diagnosis and reduce unnecessary treatment with antimalarial drugs and improve the diagnosis. This study compares and analyzes the performance of microscopy and Rapid Diagnostic Techniques (RDT) used in the diagnosis of malaria in Blood samples collected from various departments which were Blood bank, patients attending Antenatal Clinic and in Accident and Emergency ward from December, 2020 to May, 2021. A total of 500 blood samples were screened for malaria by preparation of thick and thin films, Field staining and microscopic examination of the slides under oil immersion objectives, Rapid Diagnostic test (RDT) was also performed using Carestart™ Malaria Pf (HRP2), with emphasis on falciparum malaria. For rapid test diagnosis, 145 patients (29.0%) were positive for malaria, out of which 60 (22.3%) were males and 85 (36.8%) were females, for microscopy thick blood film 162 (32.4%) were positive for malaria, out of which 70 (26.0%) were males and 92 (39.8%) were females, for microscopy thin blood film 166 (33.2%) were positive for malaria parasite, out of which 72(26.8%) were males and 94 (40.7%) were females.  The study revealed a low performance of RDT with high number of false negative tests compared to microscopy on the same samples. It is therefore, necessary to reinforce training in microscopy, improved supplies and ensure proper handling/storage of the rapid test kits in malaria-endemic area, like Nigeria.