Malaria is a life-threatening
and sometimes fatal disease that is transmitted to people through the bites of
infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Even though malaria is a preventable and
curable disease, it remains a significant threat to humans, especially in the
tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This disease manifests in
various ways and has various signs and symptoms.
For timely identification and
management of this disease, it is important to know its common symptoms. Out of
all the diagnostic methods, the malarial antigen test, also referred to as the MP antigen test, is
considered highly effective. Continue reading to learn more about the signs of
malaria, the MP antigen test price, and why it is important.
Five Common Signs of
Malaria:
Malaria signs typically
appear 10-15 days after the individual has been infected by the
malaria-transmitting mosquito. The symptoms that are most often observed are:
- Fever and
Chills: This is a
characteristic sign of malaria, which may reoccur every 48-72 hours.
- Headache: Persistent headaches are common and
may be categorised as mild or severe.
- Nausea and
Vomiting: These
symptoms are generally related to abdominal distress and/or pain.
- Muscle Pain
and Fatigue: Some of the
condition's symptoms include muscle aches and pains and general fatigue.
- Sweating: Following the fever and chills,
sweating occurs and causes dehydration.
Uncommon Signs and
Symptoms of Malaria:
Apart from malaria's common
symptoms, which are quite easy to understand, there are a few uncommon signs
which are often ignored:
- Jaundice: Jaundice is a condition in which the
skin and the eyes turn yellow due to a liver ailment.
- Respiratory
Distress: In the
worst-case scenarios, breathlessness or some form of respiratory trouble
might occur.
- Confusion and
Seizures: Malaria can
lead to cerebral malaria, which is characterised by confusion, seizures,
or even coma.
- Anaemia: Since red blood cells are destroyed,
anaemia may occur, which results in fatigue and weakness.
- Dark Urine: This is also known as blackwater
fever, which is a sign of severe malaria with haemolysis.
How Does the MP Antigen
Test Help Detect Malaria?
The Malarial Antigen (Vivax
and Falciparum) test also called MP antigen test is a diagnostic test that is used to identify malaria
antigens in the blood. This test is very efficient in diagnosing malaria and
more specifically Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum,
which are the two most prevalent malaria parasites. The test is done when a
patient has signs like fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, headache and
sweating. The price of the malarial antigen test at Apollo 24|7 is ₹870.
What Do Malarial Antigen
Test Results Mean?
The results of the malarial
antigen test can be interpreted as follows:
- Positive
Result: A positive
result means that there are malaria antigens in the blood, which means
that the person has malaria. Additional examinations may be necessary to
identify the Plasmodium species and the stage of malaria.
- Negative
Result: A negative
result implies that there are no malaria antigens present in the blood
that the test can detect. However, it is crucial to note that a
negative result does not completely eliminate malaria, especially if
symptoms persist. Further investigations and clinical examination may be
required.
- False Positives/Negatives: Despite the fact that the test is normally accurate, it is possible to get false positive or negative results. Some of the factors that may affect the results include poor sample collection, low levels of parasites, or technical problems with the test. It is also important to consult with the healthcare providers for proper diagnosis and management.
All in all, malaria, a major
health issue in many areas of the world, can be managed by early diagnosis and
proper treatment. It is important to know both common and uncommon signs and
symptoms of malaria so that the disease can be treated as soon as possible. The
MP antigen test is crucial in diagnosing malaria since it identifies specific
antigens in the blood, which helps provide the right treatment. Knowledge of
symptoms and the use of accurate diagnostic tools such as the malarial antigen
test can go a long way in enhancing the health of the patient and fighting
against malaria.
