A 35-year-old woman presents to a UK hospital with fever after returning from The Gambia. Three thick blood films taken 12 hours apart are reported as...

Question

A 35-year-old woman presents to a UK hospital with fever after returning from The Gambia. Three thick blood films taken 12 hours apart are reported as negative. A malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) targeting HRP2 is positive. What is the most appropriate interpretation?

Accepted Answer

The RDT may be detecting persistent HRP2 antigen from a previously treated malaria episode

Answer

The RDT result is a false positive and malaria can be excluded

Answer

The blood films are unreliable and treatment for severe malaria should begin immediately

Answer

The patient has a P. vivax infection that is not detectable on thick film

Answer

The films should be repeated at peak fever to improve sensitivity

uk-dtmh MCQ (SBA): Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Testing

A 35-year-old woman presents to a UK hospital with fever after returning from The Gambia. Three thick blood films taken 12 hours apart are reported as negative. A malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) targeting HRP2 is positive. What is the most appropriate interpretation?