Field performance of Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase rapid diagnostic tests during a large histidine-rich protein 2 deletion survey in Ethiopia

Abstract

Both PfHRP2 RDTs detected fewer P. falciparum cases than PfLDH, and fewer cases than qPCR or immunoassay. The poor sensitivity and specificity of the PfLDH RDT compared to qPCR and to immunoassay in this study raises concern. Continuous operator training and RDTs quality assurance programme to ensure quality diagnostic services are recommended.