Update of the response plan to pfhrp2 gene deletions: meeting report, 26 January 2023
Loading...
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
World Health Organization
Abstract
Description
iv, 31 p.
This meeting report summarizes expert discussions convened by the World Health Organization to review and update the global response plan to Plasmodium falciparum parasites with pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions, which can cause false-negative results in HRP2-based malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). The report examines developments since the publication of the WHO response plan in 2019, including emerging evidence on the epidemiology and distribution of gene deletions, experiences from surveillance activities, advances in diagnostic technologies, and lessons from countries affected by high deletion prevalence. Presentations reviewed the scientific basis of the current 5% threshold used to guide changes in diagnostic strategies and assessed its validity using published evidence, field surveys and modelling studies. The document discusses the performance of existing and next-generation RDTs, the implications of gene deletions for malaria diagnosis and control, and methodological considerations for surveillance and prevalence estimation. It also explores risk-based approaches for transitioning to alternative diagnostic tools and identifies factors influencing policy decisions. The conclusions and discussion points are intended to inform revisions to WHO guidance and support countries, partners and manufacturers in responding effectively to the growing threat posed by pfhrp2/3 gene deletions.
This meeting report summarizes expert discussions convened by the World Health Organization to review and update the global response plan to Plasmodium falciparum parasites with pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions, which can cause false-negative results in HRP2-based malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). The report examines developments since the publication of the WHO response plan in 2019, including emerging evidence on the epidemiology and distribution of gene deletions, experiences from surveillance activities, advances in diagnostic technologies, and lessons from countries affected by high deletion prevalence. Presentations reviewed the scientific basis of the current 5% threshold used to guide changes in diagnostic strategies and assessed its validity using published evidence, field surveys and modelling studies. The document discusses the performance of existing and next-generation RDTs, the implications of gene deletions for malaria diagnosis and control, and methodological considerations for surveillance and prevalence estimation. It also explores risk-based approaches for transitioning to alternative diagnostic tools and identifies factors influencing policy decisions. The conclusions and discussion points are intended to inform revisions to WHO guidance and support countries, partners and manufacturers in responding effectively to the growing threat posed by pfhrp2/3 gene deletions.