Method and apparatus for diagnosing intracellular parasite infections using an enzime detection system

The present invention involves a highly specific chemical system for detecting parasite-infected cells. The method is especially effective in detecting intraerythrocytic diseases, especially malaria. With respect to malaria, chemical agents are used to detect enzymes produced by the infecting parasites. Blood samples are combined with a plurality of substrates which are subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis. Hydrolysis is rapid and may be detected in two ways. The first method involves substrates having a fluorescent detecting group. Upon hydrolysis, the fluorescent group is cleaved and detected using a conventional fluorescent light source. Alternatively, substrates may be used having a detecting group which forms a visibly colored material when combined with a secondary reagent. These techniques produce a unique colored or fluorescent pattern which enables the rapid and accurate determination of parasite infection. Furthermore, parasite diagnosis is accomplished without the use of expensive and complex diagnostic equipment.