• Zawua T. P.
  Biological Science Department, University of Mkar, Mkar, Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria
  




• Atsuwe T. S.
  Zoology Department, Joseph Sarwua Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State.
  




• Ikpa T.F.
  Zoology Department, Joseph Sarwua Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State.
  

Malaria case detection and management have been recently improved through the use of rapid diagnostic test (RDT). However, different studies in Nigeria show high prevalence of RDT false negative results. This study was conducted to determine the deletion of pfhrp2 and their flanking regions among false negative malaria RDTs within different zones of Benue State, Nigeria. 510 Blood samples were collected by finger prick method on filter paper blot between 2018 and 2019. DNA was extracted from filter paper blot using methanol fixation and heat extraction method. Pfhrp2 genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), resolved by electrophoresis on 2% agarose gel and visualized under UV light. Genotyping of 120 randomly selected false negative isolates using pfhrp2 genes confirmed that, there was no deletion of pfhrp2 genes in Benue State, Nigeria. PCR genotyping of 20 randomly selected true negative isolates using hrp2 genes indicated that, 85% of the true negative isolates were positive for P. falciparum. 89% (454/510) of the subjects were identified positive by thick smear microscopy for asexual P. falciparum parasites, out of which only 107 (21%) were positive by PfHRP2 based RDT. Deletion phenomenon of pfhrp2 was not common in Benue State; hence RDT results could be enhanced through proper maintenance of quality control assurance criteria by avoiding exposure of RDT kits to temperatures above 30°C and relative humidity of above 70% as this is found to degrade the monoclonal antibodies embedded in the RDT kits.