Parr JB, Phanzu F, Mansiangi P, Kieto E, Mwandagalirwa K, Mvuama N, Landela A, Atibu J, Umesumbu Efundu S, Olenga J, Thwai KL, Morgan C, Poffley A, Mungala P, Sompwe EM,Likwela JL, Rogier E, Meshnick SR, Tshefu A, N’Siala A, Kalonji A
1. Background
- Over two-thirds of all malaria diagnoses in Africa are made using rapid diagnostic tests that detect histidine rich protein 2 (HRP2).1
- A recently described deletion mutation of the P. falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 and/or 3 (pfhrp2/3) genes allows it to escape detection by common rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs).2, 3
- Increasing reports from Africa indicate that parasites with this mutation are common in select locations.4
- We previously found a 6.4% national prevalence of pfhrp2-negative parasites among asymptomatic children in the DRC.5
- Initial hypothesis: Pfhrp2-deleted parasites are responsible for missed clinical cases of falciparum malaria in the DRC.