Problem: In the absence of an accurate, rapid diagnostic test for malaria, there are many avoidable deaths due to delayed diagnosis, specially in remote areas. Between to 2-4% of malaria cases can be missed due to genetic mutations, leading to false negatives and potentially fatal consequences for patients.
Solution: A one-minute, bivalent, accurate rapid diagnostic test for malaria, that works on a simpler principle of detecting Hemozoin, a metabolic by-product formed due to malaria infections. The hand held device tests for both Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and Plasmodium vivax (Pv) using a single blood sample at the patients’ doorstep, with test results available in 1 minute. The targeted cost per test is $2, which is half of currently available tests. The device enables automated data capture and transmission of case & patient details to the malaria surveillance system ensuring case details are reported in real time. Gazelle is a platform which also supports a test for the diagnosis of sickle cell disease. Tests for other infectious diseases using this platform are under development.
Impact: Gazelle fills a gap in the availability of an affordable, accurate and accessible rapid test for malaria. The widespread adoption of Gazelle will result in early detection and treatment initiation with reduced mortality.
