Plasmodium knowlesi in Malaysia: A Study of Human and Monkey Infections
Author Information
Author(s): Vythilingam Indra, NoorAzian Yusuf M, Huat Tan Cheong, Jiram Adela Ida, Yusri Yusof M, Azahari Abdul H, NorParina Ismail, NoorRain Abdullah, LokmanHakim Sulaiman
Primary Institution: Institute for Medical Research, Malaysia
Hypothesis
Is Plasmodium knowlesi infecting humans and monkeys in peninsular Malaysia?
Conclusion
Human infection with Plasmodium knowlesi is occurring in most states of peninsular Malaysia, with An. cracens identified as the main vector.
Supporting Evidence
- 77 out of 111 human samples tested positive for P. knowlesi.
- 10 out of 145 monkey blood samples were positive for P. knowlesi.
- 2 Anopheles cracens mosquitoes tested positive for P. knowlesi.
Takeaway
This study found that a type of malaria from monkeys can infect people in Malaysia, mainly spread by a specific mosquito.
Methodology
Nested PCR was used to identify Plasmodium species in human blood samples, monkeys, and mosquitoes.
Limitations
The study may not cover all regions or populations in Malaysia, and the sample sizes for monkeys and mosquitoes were limited.
Participant Demographics
111 human samples, 145 monkey samples, and 339 mosquito samples were collected.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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