Malaria is a life-threatening disease which is caused by the protozoon Plasmodium spp. The transmission is mediated by the Anopheles mosquito, but can occur via blood transfusion also. Humans can be infected by four different species of Plasmodium: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae. Infections with P. falicparum can be deadly. P. falciparum and P. vivax are the most common types. The disease occurs mainly in tropical and subtropical areas.
The Malaria infection induces the production of specific antibodies. In general they can be detected within some days after the occurrence of the parasites in the blood. The concentration of the specific antibodies is proportional to the intensity and duration of infection. The detection of antibodies is more sensitive than the direct detection of the pathogen and independent of the status of the infection. In humans who are infected for the first time the level of the specific antibodies decreases fast after recuperation. In contrast the antibody level decreases slowly (within 2 – 3 years) in re-infected persons who move into non-endemic areas.
The Malaria-Ab ELISA is a fast and sensitive enzyme immunoassay for the detection of specific IgG and IgM antibodies against Plasmodium spp.
The microplate is coated with recombinant antigens of P. falciparum and P. vivax. P. ovale and P. malaria are also detected due to the antigenic similarity between the different Plasmodium species.