Review of Photoacoustic Malaria Diagnostic Techniques

Abstract

Malaria is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in developing countries. Accurate and complete diagnosis is key for effective treatment of the disease. However, mainstream malaria diagnostic techniques suffer from a number of shortcomings. There is therefore an urgent need for development of new and more efficient techniques for malaria diagnosis. In vivo Photoacoustic spectroscopy is an emerging technique, which has great potential of delivering a nearly ideal method for early diagnosis of the disease. The technique promises to be highly sensitive and specific. In this paper, a description of photoacoustic malaria sensing is given. This is followed by a review of photoacoustic-based malaria diagnostic techniques and suggestions for future improvements.