Small angle light scattering assay for the detection of malaria infection

R.A.InocênciodaLuz a,1, H.M.Mavoko a,b,1, I.Crandall c, S.Deshpande d, P.Lutumba b, J.P.Vangeertruyden a,n

a UniversityofAntwerp,FacultyofMedicineandHealthSciences,InternationalHealthUnit,Universiteitsplein1,2610Antwerp,Belgium
b UniversityofKinshasa,FacultyofMedicine,DepartmentofTropicalMedicine,Kinshasa,DemocraticRepublicoftheCongo
c Faculty ofPharmacy,UniversityofToronto,144CollegeSt.,Toronto,Ontario,CanadaM5S2S2
d SpectradigitalCorporation,Guelph,Ontario,Canada

a b s t r a c t
The diagnosis of malaria, caused by Plasmodium spp., still remains a challenging process. Especially in  low-incomecountries, arapiduser-friendly method is needed for the efficient care of the patient. A small-angle light scattering device consisting of hardware and software was developed. UsingtheDNA-binding dye SYBR Green, malaria infections could be distinguished in healthy red blood cells infected with Plasmodium. Subsequently, samples from parasite positive and negative patients living in a hyper-endemic area of Kinshasa, DRC were assessed. The scatter profiles were distinct and malaria infection could be detected using the Giemsa stain. Although these results are preliminary, they indicate that the
device has the potential tobe used as a new diagnostic tool for the detection of Malaria infection.
& 2015ElsevierB.V. Allrightsreserved.