abstract |
Methods for the rapid detection of the presence or absence of Malaria parasites (including Plasmodium ) in a biological or non-biological sample are described. The methods can include performing an amplifying step, a hybridizing step, and a detecting step. Additionally, the assay can be a multiplex assay, to amplify and detect a plurality of Plasmodium targets simultaneously, which offers advantages over singleplex assays. Furthermore, oligonucleotide primers and oligonucleotide probes targeting Malaria parasites (including Plasmodium) and kits are provided that are designed for the detection of Plasmodium, including, but not limited to, the Plasmodium species of P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. knowlesi, and P. malariae. Also described are kits, reaction mixtures, and oligonucleotides (e.g., primer and probe) for the amplification and detection of Malaria parasites (including Plasmodium). |