This is a diagnostic efficacy study to evaluate a set of biomarkers in human breath indicative of an acute malaria infection. The investigators plan to enroll 75 malaria patients and 175 febrile non-malaria patients in Ethiopia. Upon enrollment, blood for malaria RDT, microscopy and PCR will be collected as well as a breath sample to assess the presence of biomarkers at a reference center. Malaria patients identified by microscopy are revisited at day 2 and 7 to collect a further samples. G6PD testing will be performed concurrently to identify prevalent G6PD variants.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Performance of the VOC breathalyser
Sensitivity and specificity of the VOC breathalyser compared to microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and PCR for the diagnosis of clinical malaria.
Time frame: 7 days
Correlation of malaria parasite density with VOC concentrations
The correlation of malaria parasite density with VOC concentrations in patients with clinical and subpatent malaria and the recovery profile of VOC following acute malaria.
Time frame: 7 days
G6PD variants
G6PD variants within the local population
Time frame: 1 day
G6PD activity in U/gHb
The distribution of G6PD enzyme activity in the local population measured in U/gHb.
Time frame: 1 day
Performance characteristics of qualitative and quantitative G6PD test formats.
Sensitivity and specificity of other G6PD diagnostic assays compared to the gold standard spectrophotometry
Time frame: 1 day
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