Blood spots were prepared on filter paper from the blood sample taken from each patient and subsequently processed at the Malaria Research Centre, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. DNA was extracted from the blood spots using InstaGene™42 (link) and nested PCR assays for identification of malaria species with primers for P. falciparum, P. malariae, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. knowlesi, P. cynomolgi and P. inui were utilised as described previously1 (link),43 (link),44 (link). Each P. knowlesi subpopulation was identified using cluster-specific PCR assays13 (link). Parasite counts were determined using the average readings of two independent experienced laboratory technicians derived from the number of parasites per 500 white cells, adjusted by the total white cell count for each patient.
Haematological profiles on-site at the hospital laboratory were determined using semi-automated methods (Mek-6410 K, Nihon Kohden Corporation, Japan). Citrated blood samples were analysed for coagulation studies with Sysmex® Ca 500v (Kobe, Japan). Biochemistry tests were conducted using Beckman-Coulter™ AU480 and a point-of-care meter was used for determination of lactate levels (StatStrip Xpress® Lactate Hospital Meter, Nova Biomedical, USA).
Haematological profiles on-site at the hospital laboratory were determined using semi-automated methods (Mek-6410 K, Nihon Kohden Corporation, Japan). Citrated blood samples were analysed for coagulation studies with Sysmex® Ca 500v (Kobe, Japan). Biochemistry tests were conducted using Beckman-Coulter™ AU480 and a point-of-care meter was used for determination of lactate levels (StatStrip Xpress® Lactate Hospital Meter, Nova Biomedical, USA).
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