Diagnosis of cerebral malaria: Tools to reduce Plasmodium falciparum associated mortality

Cerebral malaria (CM) is a major cause of mortality in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) infection and is associated with the sequestration of parasitised erythrocytes in the microvasculature of the host's vital organs. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are key to a positive outcome in CM. However, current diagnostic tools remain inadequate to assess the degree of brain dysfunction associated with CM before the window for effective treatment closes. Several host and parasite factor-based biomarkers have been suggested as rapid diagnostic tools with potential for early CM diagnosis, however, no specific biomarker signature has been validated. Here, we provide an updated review on promising CM biomarker candidates and evaluate their applicability as point-of-care tools in malaria-endemic areas.

Automated summary

Cerebral malaria is a severe form of malaria that can cause death, and it is characterized by the accumulation of parasitized red blood cells in the microvasculature of vital organs. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a positive outcome in cerebral malaria. However, current diagnostic tools are insufficient to assess the extent of brain dysfunction associated with cerebral malaria before the window for effective treatment closes. Various biomarkers based on host and parasite factors have been proposed as rapid diagnostic tools for early cerebral malaria diagnosis, but no specific biomarker signature has been validated. In this review, we discuss promising biomarker candidates for cerebral malaria and evaluate their suitability as point-of-care tools in malaria-endemic areas.