Flow Cytometry RBC malarial parasite detection
There is a great need for rapid and early diagnostic tests in malaria. The parasite is present in red blood cells (RBCs) and is usually detected by microscopy.
A rapid screening test may be possible using flow cytometry where a fluorescent DNA-specific dye like DRAQ5™ may allow simple identification of infected RBCs .....
Biostatus is grateful to Bill McConnell and the team at Royal Perth Hospital, Australia, (Div. Lab. Med.) for permission to use some of the slides and information used here. Their excellent website at http://rph.wa.gov.au/malaria/diagnosis.html is regularly updated for Medical Practitioners and Laboratory Scientists, and which provides the generally best current practice in the field.
Of the four species of the genus plasmodium responsible for malarial parasite infections that commonly infect man, P.falciparum is the most important as it can be rapidly fatal and is responsible for most malaria-related deaths. Click here to see the characteristic forms of P.falciparum in red blood cells.
Today's most common diagnostic detection method for malarial infection utilises thin and thick blood smears (see image) subjected to microscopical analysis; the 20 - 45 minute procedure hopefully resulting in identification of parasitic infection.
We are investigating the use of DRAQ5™ in a flow cytometry-based test. DRAQ5™ can be added directly to a patient blood sample and any infected cells will light up clearly. Images below show normal blood infected with P. falciparum (NF54) stained with DRAQ5™:-
.... and samples stained with DRAQ5 have been visualised with 568 nm (left frame) and 647 nm (right frame) showing the flexibility of the dye:-
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