False-positive Monospot Tests in Malaria

Abstract

Two of fourteen consecutive patients with malaria had positive Monospot tests. Neither had a history of other recent febrile illness, and tests for heterophil and Epstein-Barr virus antibodies were negative. Another instance of a positive Monospot test in a patient with malaria in which the positive Monospot test contributed to a delay in the diagnosis of malaria has been reported. Because infectious mononucleosis and malaria can initially cause similar signs and symptoms, physicians should be aware of this possibility to avoid such delays in diagnosis and institution of proper treatment.