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Updated: Mar 27, 2026
Protocol for Plasmodium falciparum Infections in Mosquitoes and Infection Phenotype Determination
Published on: July 4, 2007
Diagnosis of an imported Plasmodium ovale wallikeri infection in Malaysia
Jonathan Wee Kent Liew1, Rohela Mahmud2, Lian Huat Tan3
1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. jon_wkent@hotmail.com.
Abstract:
Plasmodium ovale is rare and not exactly known to be autochthonous in Malaysia. There are two distinct forms of the parasite, namely P. ovale curtisi (classic form) and P. ovale wallikeri (variant form). Here, the first sequence confirmed case of an imported P. ovale wallikeri infection in Malaysia is presented. Microscopy found Plasmodium parasites with morphology similar to P. ovale or Plasmodium vivax in the blood films. Further confirmation using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the small-subunit rRNA gene of the parasite was unsuccessful. Genus-specific PCR was then performed and the product was sequenced and analysed. Sequence analyses confirmed the aetiological agent as P. ovale wallikeri. New species-specific primers (rOVA1v and rOVA2v) were employed and P. ovale wallikeri was finally confirmed. The findings highlight the need to look out for imported malaria infections in Malaysia and the importance of a constantly updated and validated diagnostic technique.
Insights
The first imported Plasmodium ovale wallikeri malaria case in Malaysia was confirmed using advanced molecular techniques. This highlights the importance of updated diagnostics for detecting rare imported Plasmodium ovale infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Plasmodium ovale, a rare malaria parasite, has two forms: P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri.
- Its presence in Malaysia is not well-established, with limited understanding of its autochthonous occurrence.
Observation:
- Microscopy of blood films revealed Plasmodium parasites resembling P. ovale or P. vivax.
- Initial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the small-subunit rRNA gene was unsuccessful for confirmation.
Findings:
- Genus-specific PCR followed by sequencing identified the parasite as P. ovale wallikeri.
- Development and application of new species-specific primers (rOVA1v and rOVA2v) provided definitive confirmation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the need for vigilance regarding imported malaria in Malaysia.
- Emphasizes the critical importance of employing continuously updated and validated diagnostic methods for accurate malaria detection.
