Question: If you've ever had malaria in the past, can that be detected? Answer: Often, yes. There are tests which can look for antibodies (proteins that your body produces in response to an infection) that are specific to malaria. Some of these antibodies only last a few weeks or months, but others can persist for years. These tests use enzymes on a sample of your serum and so are usually known … [Read more...]
Can the PCR blood test identify hypnozoites?
QUESTION I have never been diagnosed with malaria but returned from Turkey in 2007 (P. Vivax endemic area; Diarbykar & Mardin areas). My symptoms were consistent with malaria and I have now had 5 relapses since then, averaging one occurrence per year. I now have impaired kidney functioning and I am uncertain if this could be because of undiagnosed malaria? Would the PCR blood test at … [Read more...]
Test for Malaria?
QUESTION Is there a way to verify that someone has had malaria? I had symptoms that were treated with only 10 days of proper 14 days prescription and had a relapse a year later. Have felt weak and keep my drinking to a very light level as a result. Is there test that can be taken to verify having/had plasmodium vivax? ANSWER The best way to test for relapsing malaria (i.e. Plasmodium … [Read more...]