Could combined rapid diagnostic testing for malaria and c-reactive protein be helpful for the diagnosis and management of febrile illnesses in children under-5 years of age in rural Burkina Faso?
Massa Dit Achille BonkoIbrahima KaramaFrancois KiemdePalpouguini LompoZakaria GarbaSibidou YougbaréPetra F MensHalidou TintoMarc Christian TahitaHenk D F H SchalligPublished in: BMC infectious diseases (2022)
Combining mRDT-PfHRP2 with CRP testing is particularly useful in children for whom both tests are negative as it results in a reduction of antibiotics prescriptions. However, there is a risk to miss potential severe bacterial infections and a close follow-up of these cases is strongly recommended.