A new study unveils a noninvasive malaria test that could revolutionize global health by providing safer and more accessible diagnostics for millions at risk, using a device called the Cytophone.
Nearly half of the global population faces the threat of malaria, with devastating impacts on children and pregnant women. Current malaria detection methods are invasive and often not feasible for widespread use in low-income regions. However, new research led by Yale School of Public Health, published in the journal Nature Communications, introduces a groundbreaking noninvasive malaria test that promises to dramatically improve diagnostics in affected areas.
Led by Sunil Parikh, professor of epidemiology (microbial diseases) and of infectious diseases at Yale School of Public Health, the research team has developed a test using a device called the Cytophone. This innovations offers a reliable, safe and sensitive malaria test without the need for blood samples.
The Cytophone uses lasers and ultrasound to detect malaria-infected cells circulating in the bloodstream.
This device, about the size of a tabletop printer, works by placing a small, noninvasive probe on the back of the hand. The technology identifies malaria-infected cells by detecting hemozoin, a by-product of malaria parasites, which has unique optical properties under a laser.
The Cytophone marks a significant step forward in malaria diagnostics, offering 90% sensitivity and 69% specificity, comparable to or better than current blood-based tests.
“Our study showed that the Cytophone was safe and had comparable diagnostic performance to current point-of-care options when compared to highly sensitive quantitative PCR as the gold standard,” lead author Jillian N. Armstrong, a former doctoral student in Parikh’s lab, said in the news release.
Bioengineer Vladimir P. Zharov, who led the design team at the University of Arkansas, initially developed the Cytophone to detect cancerous melanoma cells. Adapting it for malaria detection, Zharov’s team worked closely with Parikh to validate its efficacy.
Excitingly, the device not only detects the deadliest malaria strain, Plasmodium falciparum but also other less common species.
“That was a really exciting proof of concept with the first generation of this platform,” added Parikh, who has spent over 20 years researching malaria in Africa. “I think one key part of the next phase is going to involve determining and demonstrating whether or not the device can detect and distinguish between species.”
The collaboration with Cameroonian scientists was crucial, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parikh and Armstrong commended their partners for their dedication and ingenuity.
“The trainees in Cameroon were amazing and enabled us to test this device with little advanced training,” Parikh said.
Armstrong also highlighted the significance of multi-disciplinary collaborations.
“I believe that these kinds of transdisciplinary projects between engineers and epidemiologists are crucial to reduce the global burden of disease,” he added.
Going forward, the team will focus on developing a new generation of Cytophones.
Malaria remains a global health crisis, with over 600,000 deaths annually. The Cytophone’s ability to detect and monitor malaria treatment progress offers hope for millions. With the World Health Organization aiming to cut malaria cases by at least 90% by 2030, this new technology could play a pivotal role.