Detection of Plasmodium falciparum by indirect immunofluorescence using specific murine monoclonal antibodies]

The monoclonal immunofluorescence technique described here is a sensitive method to detect very small P. falciparum antigens. It is specially usefull in very low parasitemias when the detection of infected R.B.C. is particularly difficult by conventional Giemsa's coloured smears on thick drops. This technique requires only 0.5 to 1 ml of blood to be performed. This method allows the microscopic examination of large number of blood samples in a relatively short time. It permits also a very precise localisation of parasite in R.B.C. In the same way, the chemotherapy can easily be followed up and chemo-resistance forms may be studied more precisely than when using the standard microscopic examination. Reactions are always negative in individuals who have never visited malaria endemic countries. The plasma polyclonal antibodies directed against P. falciparum do not interfere with the technique (carried out on fresh or thawed R.B.C.).