The measurement of specific antibodies against species of the genus Plasmodium is used for the laboratory diagnosis of malaria.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium protozoan. Transmission is carried out by Anopheles mosquitoes, but it can also occur through blood transfusions. Four different species of Plasmodium can infect humans: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae.
Infections with P. falciparum can be fatal. The most common species are P. falciparum and P. vivax. The disease mainly occurs in tropical and subtropical regions.
Infection with Plasmodium induces the production of specific antibodies. Generally, they can be detected within a few days after the appearance of the parasites in the blood. The titers of specific antibodies are proportional to the severity and duration of the infection. Antibody detection is a more sensitive method than direct detection of the pathogen (thick blood smear) and is independent of the state of infection. In patients infected for the first time, the level of specific antibodies decreases rapidly after recovery. In contrast, antibody levels decrease slowly (within 2 - 3 years) in the case of patients with re-infection who move to non-endemic areas.
See also:
Malaria (Plasmodium sp.), Molecular Detection
