Last modified: 2020-02-25
Abstract
Evaluating the Quality of Malaria RDT and Microscopy tests in Ethiopia; A systematic review and meta-analysis
Simegn Alemu1*, Moges Agazhe1, Yonas Lamore1, and Milkiyas Toru1
Corresponding author: Simegn Alemu . email: alemusimegn@gmail.com Phone: +251913119254
- College of Health Sciences, Debre markos University, P.O. Box 269, Debre Markos, Ethiopia.
MA: agazhemoges@gmail.com
MT: milkiastoru@gmail.com
Abstract
Malaria is a life-threatening disease. It’s typically transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Malaria is typically found in tropical and subtropical climates where the parasites can live. The World Health Organization states that, there were an estimated 216 million cases of malaria in 91 countries. Accurate diagnosis of malaria is thus vital for effective management and control of malaria while avoiding the wrong use of anti-malarial drugs
Method: To conducts this study, major databases such as Google scholar, Pub Med, Africa Journals Online and Google were systematically searched and PRISMA guideline was used. Two authors independently extracted all necessary data using a standardized data extraction format,and analysis was done using STATA version 14. Heterogeneity across the studies was assessed by using Cochran’s Q test and I2 statistic. The pooled effect of Validity of tests was conducted in the form of Sensitivity, specificity, positive and Negative predictive values. Moreover, the funnel plot, Egger’s weighted regression and Begg’s rank correlation tests were used to assess publication biases.
Result: This meta-analysis included 22 studies with a total of 29,023 participants. The pooled sensitivity of RDT and Microscopy for malaria were 82.34 (95% CI (75.86%– 88.81%) and 84.42(95%CI; 79.75-89.09) respectively as well as the pooled Specificity of RDT and Microscopy for malaria detection in Ethiopia were 95.06 (95%CI: 93.84-96.28) and 90.94 (95%CI; 84.94-97.39) respectively. The pooled positive and negative predictive value were 77.45 (95%CI; 67.14-87.75) and 95.24(95%CI; 93.46-97.03)
Conclusion: From this study we can conclude that the pooled sensitivity of RDT and Microscopy for malaria detection in Ethiopia is less than WHO standard. The pooled specificity, positive and negative predictive values also showed us less validity of the tests. Therefore we recommend that especial emphasis should be given for quality of RDT and professional skill to increase the validity of tests.
Key word: Validity, malaria, RDT, Microscopy, systematic review and Meta analysis Ethiopia