A NOVEL noninvasive diagnostic tool has demonstrated high sensitivity (90%) and specificity (69%) in detecting malaria-infected red blood cells (iRBCs) using laser and ultrasound technology. This promising device could transform malaria diagnostics, which currently rely on invasive blood samples with limited sensitivity and accuracy, particularly in low-resource settings.
Malaria remains a critical health challenge globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where over 600,000 deaths and a quarter of a billion cases occur annually. Current diagnostic methods often involve invasive blood sampling and exhibit limitations, such as antigen-target deletions that can lead to false-negative results in rapid diagnostic tests. Researchers have developed an innovative approach to malaria detection, by eliminating the need for a blood sample, using a photoacoustic flow cytometer platform with a focused ultrasound transducer array and high-pulse-rate lasers. The device detects malaria through hemozoin, an iron-based crystal byproduct of the malaria parasite, which absorbs laser energy, creating unique wave patterns that allow for the identification of iRBCs. This groundbreaking noninvasive method provides rapid results, potentially reducing the logistical and operational barriers associated with traditional malaria testing.
In this study, researchers assessed the safety and effectiveness of the device, the ‘Cytophone’, in a cohort of Cameroonian adults. Initially, a cross-sectional cohort of 10 individuals confirmed its safety. Subsequently, a longitudinal performance assessment was conducted on 20 adults over approximately 30 days post-parasitemia clearance, yielding 94 Cytophone measurements compared to both point-of-care and molecular assays. The Cytophone showed a ROC-AUC of 0.84, comparable to standard microscopy. These results highlight the device’s potential to accurately detect both symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria cases, a critical advancement given the significant number of asymptomatic carriers who contribute to disease transmission.
The study’s findings suggest the Cytophone could fill a critical gap in malaria diagnostics, offering a viable, noninvasive, and accessible solution that aligns with the World Health Organization’s goals for malaria control and eradication by 2030. Future research will focus on enhancing the device’s sensitivity, species differentiation capabilities, and portability, including potentially battery-powered versions. Implementing this technology in clinical practice could greatly benefit high-risk populations, particularly in resource-limited settings, by facilitating early detection and treatment, ultimately reducing malaria morbidity and mortality. Collaboration with local experts will be vital to ensure this tool’s widespread acceptance and effective use in malaria-endemic regions.
Reference
Yadem AC et al. Noninvasive in vivo photoacoustic detection of malaria with Cytophone in Cameroon. Nat Commun. 2024;15(1):9228.
