Antigen For Plasmodium Vivax - Test, Procedure & Cost

The main antigen for Plasmodium vivax is the circumsporozoite protein (CSP), which is found on the surface of the sporozoite stage of the parasite. This protein is involved in the initial stages of the parasite's invasion of liver cells after it has been transmitted to a human host through the bite of an infected mosquito. The CSP antigen is a target for the immune system's response to the parasite, and antibodies against CSP can confer some protection against P. vivax infection. Other antigens, such as the merozoite surface protein (MSP), are also important targets for the immune system's response to P. vivax.

Why Is Antigen For Plasmodium Vivax Done?

The detection of antigens for Plasmodium vivax serves several purposes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of malaria caused by this parasite. Here are some reasons why antigen testing for P. vivax is done:

• Diagnosis: Antigen testing is one of the most common methods for diagnosing P. vivax infection. By detecting the presence of antigens in a patient's blood or other bodily fluids, healthcare providers can confirm the diagnosis of malaria and start appropriate treatment.
• Monitoring treatment: Antigen testing can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for P. vivax infection. After treatment, antigen levels should decrease, indicating that the parasite is being eliminated from the patient's body.
• Surveillance: Antigen testing can be used for surveillance purposes, such as tracking the spread of P. vivax in a particular region or identifying areas where the parasite is more prevalent. This information can help guide public health interventions and malaria control efforts.
• Vaccine development: Antigens are also important targets for the development of vaccines against P. vivax. By identifying and characterizing key antigens, researchers can design vaccines that stimulate the immune system to produce protective antibodies against the parasite. Antigen testing can be used to evaluate the efficacy of these vaccines in clinical trials.

Sample Type Required

The sample required for antigen testing for Plasmodium vivax is typically a blood sample.

What is the procedure for Antigen for Plasmodium Vivax?

The test is usually performed on whole blood, which can be collected through a finger prick or venepuncture. In some cases, other bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be used for antigen testing, although blood is the most common and reliable sample type.

It's important to note that the timing of sample collection can affect the accuracy of antigen testing for P. vivax. Antigens are typically detectable in the blood during the early stages of infection when the parasite is actively multiplying in the body. As the infection progresses and the parasite load decreases, antigen levels may become undetectable. Therefore, antigen testing is most reliable when performed early in the course of the disease, before treatment has begun.

Cost of Antigen for Plasmodium Vivax

The cost of Antigen for plasmodium vivax near me in Delhi ranges from INR to INR