New Tech Spots Malaria With Zero Blood Draws
Researchers at Yale University have developed a novel technology called Cytophone that utilizes lasers and ultrasound to detect malaria infections through the skin, eliminating the need for blood samples. This advancement could greatly benefit developing nations where laboratory access for blood testing is often limited.
Cytophone has the potential to transform malaria testing in low- and middle-income countries, providing a reliable, safe, and sensitive method for diagnosing a disease that continues to pose a significant global health threat. Annually, more than 250 million malaria cases are reported worldwide, leading to over 600,000 deaths, particularly among children and pregnant women.
Currently, the only confirmed way to diagnose malaria is through blood tests that identify the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. However, conducting these tests can be challenging in resource-limited settings. The Cytophone technology works by targeting specific lasers and ultrasound waves to locate malaria-infected cells in the bloodstream. The device is compact, comparable in size to a desktop printer, and uses a noninvasive probe placed on the back of the patient’s hand.
According to Jillian Armstrong, a co-lead author of the study, the combination of laser and ultrasound detects hemozoin, an iron-containing crystal found in the blood of individuals infected with the malaria parasite. When the Cytophone probe is positioned above a vein, it can ascertain the presence of hemozoin deposits.
In tests conducted on 20 individuals in Cameroon, the Cytophone demonstrated impressive results, achieving a sensitivity rate of 90%—accurately identifying nine out of ten infections—and a specificity rate of 69%, correctly identifying those without malaria in about 70% of cases. These accuracy rates are comparable to traditional blood testing methods.
Dr. Sunil Parikh, another co-lead author and an epidemiologist with over two decades of malaria research in Africa, expressed excitement over the promising initial results. He emphasized that future studies will focus on determining the device’s ability to distinguish between different species of malaria parasites. Beyond diagnostics, the Cytophone may also monitor a patient’s recovery by detecting changes in levels of P. falciparum in the blood.
While further research is necessary, both Parikh and Armstrong are developing more advanced and sensitive versions of the Cytophone, with the goal of creating battery-powered units for easier use in the field.
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