Abstract: AIM:To explore the practical value of dipstick method for the diagnosis of falciparum malaria by detecting histidine-rich protein in blood
with a dipstick. METHOD:Blood samples collected from 66 febrile cases in
outpatient department in malaria endemic areas in Hainan Province were detected
by dipstick method and microscopy. The examination results of the two methods
were compared. RESULTS:The sensitivity and specificity of dipstick method were 85.7% and 95.6%, and the positive and negative predictive values were 90.0%
and 93.5% respectively; The coincidence rate with microscopy was 92.4%. None of the 20 samples of vivax malaria showed cross reaction. CONCLUSION: It is a very convienent and rapid diagnostic method for early treatment and effective prevention of falciparum malaria in malaria endemic areas.

Key words: Plasmodium falciparum, histidine- rich protein 2, dipstick, diagnosi