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Plasmodium ovale in Indonesia

J K Baird1, Purnomo, S Masbar

  • 1Parasitology Division, US Naval Medical Research Unit No. 2 Detachment, Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
|December 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Plasmodium ovale malaria was found in 34 individuals across Indonesia between 1973-1989. This rare parasite, Plasmodium ovale (P. ovale), was primarily detected in Irian Jaya, indicating a limited geographical distribution.

Area of Science:

  • Tropical Medicine
  • Parasitology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Plasmodium ovale is a malaria parasite with a poorly understood geographical distribution.
  • Indonesia, an archipelago, presents diverse ecological zones potentially harboring different Plasmodium species.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and geographical distribution of Plasmodium ovale infections in Indonesia.
  • To identify specific regions within Indonesia where P. ovale is present or absent.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 15,806 blood films collected between 1973 and 1989.
  • Microscopic examination for Plasmodium parasites.
  • Sampling conducted across multiple Indonesian islands, including Irian Jaya, West Flores, East Timor, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Java, and Sulawesi.

Main Results:

  • A total of 34 Plasmodium ovale infections were identified.
  • The majority (25 infections) were found in a single sample of 514 individuals from Owi, Irian Jaya.
  • P. ovale was also detected in other sites in Irian Jaya and West Flores, and one case from East Timor, but not in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Java, or Sulawesi.

Conclusions:

  • Plasmodium ovale appears to be a rare finding in Indonesia.
  • The parasite's distribution is geographically restricted, primarily to the easternmost islands of the Indonesian archipelago, notably Irian Jaya.
  • Further research is needed to understand the ecological and epidemiological factors influencing P. ovale's limited presence.

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