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Updated: May 14, 2026
07:14
Ookluc: A Plasmodium berghei Line for Identifying Transmission-blocking Compounds
Published on: July 11, 2025
[Plasmodium knowlesi: an emerging species in humans?]
A Servonnet1, C Rapp, H Delacour
1Hôpital d'instruction des armées Bégin, laboratoire de biologie, 69, avenue de Paris, 94163 Saint-Mandé cedex, France. a_servonnet@yahoo.fr
Medecine Et Sante Tropicales
|January 29, 2013
Summary
Plasmodium knowlesi malaria, a zoonotic disease from macaques, is increasingly reported in Southeast Asia. While often uncomplicated, severe cases require specific molecular diagnostics and prompt treatment with chloroquine or quinine.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Zoonotic Diseases
Context:
- Plasmodium knowlesi, a simian malaria parasite, is a recognized cause of human malaria in Southeast Asia.
- Human infections with P. knowlesi are increasingly reported, posing a public health concern.
- The parasite's morphology can be mistaken for other Plasmodium species, complicating diagnosis.
Purpose:
- To highlight the emergence of Plasmodium knowlesi as a fifth human malaria species.
- To underscore the diagnostic challenges and treatment strategies for P. knowlesi malaria.
- To inform healthcare providers about the clinical spectrum and management of this zoonotic infection.
Summary:
- Plasmodium knowlesi, primarily a macaque parasite, is now a significant cause of human malaria in Southeast Asia.
- Approximately 10% of P. knowlesi malaria cases develop severe complications.
- Accurate diagnosis relies on molecular methods due to morphological similarity with Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium falciparum.
- Uncomplicated P. knowlesi malaria is treated with chloroquine; severe cases require intravenous quinine.
Impact:
- Enhanced understanding of zoonotic malaria transmission and its public health implications.
- Improved diagnostic accuracy and timely treatment initiation for P. knowlesi infections.
- Potential for targeted surveillance and control strategies in affected regions.
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