Diagnostic accuracy of fluorescence flow-cytometry technology using Sysmex XN-31 for imported malaria in a non-endemic setting

Malaria diagnosis based on microscopy is impaired by the gradual disappearance of experienced microscopists in non-endemic areas. Aside from the conventional diagnostic methods, fluorescence flow cytometry technology using Sysmex XN-31, an automated haematology analyser, has been registered to support malaria diagnosis. The aim of this prospective, monocentric, non-interventional study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the XN-31 for the initial diagnosis or follow-up of imported malaria cases compared to the reference malaria tests including microscopy, loop mediated isothermal amplification, and rapid diagnostic tests. Over a one-year period, 357 blood samples were analysed, including 248 negative and 109 positive malaria samples. Compared to microscopy, XN-31 showed sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 97.13–100) and specificity of 98.39% (95% CI: 95.56–100) for the initial diagnosis of imported malaria cases. Moreover, it provided accurate species identification asfalciparumor non-falciparumand parasitaemia determination in a very short time compared to other methods. We also demonstrated that XN-31 was a reliable method for patient follow-up on days 3, 7, and 28. Malaria diagnosis can be improved in non-endemic areas by the use of dedicated haematology analysers coupled with standard microscopy or other methods in development, such as artificial intelligence for blood slide reading. Given that XN-31 provided an accurate diagnosis in 1 min, it may reduce the time interval before treatment and thus improve the outcome of patient who have malaria.