Germany-based molecular diagnostics company Qiagen has introduced the QIAprep Plasmodium Kit, alongside two companion assays to aid malaria research and surveillance.
QIAprep Plasmodium Kit combines sample preparation and quantitative PCR (qPCR) into a single workflow, providing a quick method to detect malaria parasites from blood samples.
The advanced solution simplifies malaria research by enabling the detection of all five Plasmodium species in human samples.
Qiagen’s QIAprep technology, initially developed for Covid-19 research, integrates liquid-based sample preparation with qPCR into a streamlined and cost-efficient workflow.
It offers high sensitivity, detecting as little as one parasite per microlitre, and is compatible with both liquid and dried blood samples, including QIAcard FTA cards.
The technology can be used on various qPCR platforms, including Qiagen’s Rotor-Gene Q.
The two companion assays will further enhance malaria detection and differentiation.
The Qiagen Pf/Non-Pf Detection Assay serves as a single-reaction screen for Plasmodium falciparum, the most common cause of malaria in humans.
In addition, the Qiagen Pv/Pm/Po/Pk Detection Assay distinguishes between the remaining four common species causing malaria P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. knowles.
It allows scientists to track mixed infections, study parasite evolution during vaccine rollouts, and enables them to design response measures using epidemiological surveillance data.
Qiagen enzymes and oligos global PCR head Swathi Kumar said: “Malaria research and surveillance remains critical in the fight against this potentially fatal disease, especially as control efforts evolve.
“Our new QIAprep& Plasmodium Kit and assays allow researchers to monitor disease prevalence through high-frequency screening so they can better track the spread of this disease, study vaccine effectiveness and identify emerging dominant parasite strains that may impact treatment and containment strategies.”
