The application of spectroscopy techniques for diagnosis of malaria parasites and arboviruses and surveillance of mosquito vectors: A systematic review and critical appraisal of evidence

PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2021 Apr 22;15(4):e0009218. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009218. eCollection 2021 Apr.

Abstract

The potential of RS as a surveillance tool for malaria and arbovirus vectors and MIRS for the diagnosis and surveillance of arboviruses is yet to be assessed. NIRS capacity as a surveillance tool for malaria and arbovirus vectors should be validated under field conditions, and its potential as a diagnostic tool for malaria and arboviruses needs to be evaluated. It is recommended that all 3 techniques evaluated simultaneously using multiple machine learning techniques in multiple epidemiological settings to determine the most accurate technique for each application. Prior to their field application, a standardised protocol for spectra collection and data analysis should be developed. This will harmonise their application in multiple field settings allowing easy and faster integration into existing disease control platforms. Ultimately, development of rapid and cost-effective point-of-care diagnostic tools for malaria and arboviruses based on spectroscopy techniques may help combat current and future outbreaks of these infectious diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Aedes / parasitology
  • Aedes / virology
  • Animals
  • Arbovirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Arbovirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Epidemiological Monitoring
  • Humans
  • Malaria / diagnosis*
  • Malaria / epidemiology
  • Mosquito Vectors / parasitology*
  • Mosquito Vectors / virology*
  • Point-of-Care Systems
  • Spectrum Analysis*

Grants and funding

This work was funded by the Advanced Queensland Industry Research Fellowship scheme (AQIRF0192018) awarded to MTS-L by the Queensland State Government (https://advance.qld.gov.au/universities-and-researchers/industry-research-fellowships) and NHMRC project grant GNT1159384 awarded to MTS-L (https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/). This work is also part of a PhD project of BG whose PhD scholarship is funded by The University of Queensland (https://scholarships.uq.edu.au/scholarship/earmarked-scholarships-support-category-1-project-grants). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.