Abstract:

Objective  To analyze the laboratory processes in detecting the antigen and DNA for diagnosis of three imported cases of Plasmodium ovale wallikeri infection in order to reduce the misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis of tertian malaria in humans. Methods  Epidemiological information and blood samples were collected from the three patients, and the blood samples were detected by microscopy, Rapid Diagnostic Test（RDT）and nested PCR according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Malaria(WS259-2006). Results  The three patients were returned workers from Africa, with a history of malaria. Microscopic examination indicated positive blood film for the three cases, and RDT eliminated Plasmodium falciparum infection. Nested PCR for detecting the DNA in Plasmodium ovale wallikeri by using specific primers also indicated positive results. Conclusion  Three cases of Plasmodium ovale wallikeri infection were identified by combined confirmation with microscopy, RDT and gene sequencing. These are the first imported tertian malaria in Chongqing in 2015.

Key words: Plasmodium ovale wallikeri, Nested PCR, Laboratory diagnosis, Chongqing City