When the malaria test is negative: Why treating yourself anyway can be dangerous

BY ALICE AFUA AIDOO, BIOCHEMIST AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGIST

A person develops a fever, headache, body pains and weakness. Almost immediately, the conclusion is, “It must be malaria.”

The person goes for a malaria test, but the result is negative. Instead of seeking further medical advice, the person buys antimalarial medicine and begins treatment. Some people even add antibiotics or herbal preparations.

This is common, but it can be dangerous.

Not every fever is malaria

Malaria is common in Ghana, but not every fever is caused by malaria. Fever is a sign that the body may be fighting an infection or another health condition.

Respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, typhoid fever and some viral infections can cause symptoms similar to malaria. It is therefore difficult to identify the exact illness based only on symptoms.

This is why laboratory testing is important.

The World Health Organization recommends that suspected malaria cases should be confirmed before treatment. This can be done through microscopy, where a blood sample is examined under a microscope for malaria parasites. It can also be done with a rapid diagnostic test, commonly called an RDT.

A negative result is useful

Some patients trust a test only when it confirms what they already believe. When their malaria test is negative, they may think the test is wrong.

However, a negative result is still important. It usually means that malaria parasites were not detected in the blood sample at the time of testing. It helps the healthcare provider consider other possible causes of the symptoms.

No laboratory test is perfect in every situation. The timing of the test, the number of parasites in the blood, sample collection and test quality may affect the result. If symptoms continue, a qualified healthcare provider may recommend further tests or repeat the malaria test.

The patient should not make that decision alone.

Treating the wrong illness is risky

Taking antimalarial medicine after a negative test may delay the diagnosis of the real illness.

For example, a urinary tract infection will not be cured by antimalarial medicine. While the patient waits for the medicine to work, the infection may become more serious.

Unnecessary medicine can also cause side effects. Medicines should not be taken simply because they are familiar or easy to buy.

Some people take antibiotics when antimalarial medicine fails. Antibiotics treat certain bacterial infections. They do not treat malaria or viral infections.

Incorrect use of antibiotics can cause antimicrobial resistance. This happens when microorganisms such as bacteria change and stop responding to medicines that previously killed them. As a result, common infections become more difficult and expensive to treat.

Trust the laboratory evidence

Medical Laboratory Scientists examine blood and other body samples. The information they provide helps healthcare professionals diagnose and treat diseases.

A laboratory result is not just a word written on paper. It is part of the process of finding out what is happening in the body.

Patients should provide accurate information about their symptoms and any medicines they have already taken. They should also ask questions if they do not understand their results.

Instead of rejecting a negative result, ask, “If it is not malaria, what else could be causing my symptoms?”

What should you do?

If your malaria test is negative but you still feel unwell, return to a qualified healthcare provider. Further examination or another test may be needed.