scholarly journals Simian Malaria Parasites: Special Emphasis on Plasmodium knowlesi and Their Anopheles Vectors in Southeast Asia

10.5772/54491 ◽  
2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Indra Vythilingam ◽  
Jeffery Hii
Keyword(s):  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Plasmodium Knowlesi ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Simian Malaria ◽  
Anopheles Vectors

scholarly journals Functional genomics of simian malaria parasites and host–parasite interactions

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 270-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary R Galinski
Keyword(s):  
Functional Genomics ◽  
Malaria Parasite ◽  
Parasite Species ◽  
Plasmodium Knowlesi ◽  
New World Monkeys ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Zoonotic Infections ◽  
Simian Malaria ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
Host Parasite

AbstractTwo simian malaria parasite species, Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium cynomolgi, cause zoonotic infections in Southeast Asia, and they have therefore gained recognition among scientists and public health officials. Notwithstanding, these species and others including Plasmodium coatneyi have served for decades as sources of knowledge on the biology, genetics and evolution of Plasmodium, and the diverse ramifications and outcomes of malaria in their monkey hosts. Experimental analysis of these species can help to fill gaps in knowledge beyond what may be possible studying the human malaria parasites or rodent parasite species. The genome sequences for these simian malaria parasite species were reported during the last decade, and functional genomics research has since been pursued. Here research on the functional genomics analysis involving these species is summarized and their importance is stressed, particularly for understanding host–parasite interactions, and potentially testing novel interventions. Importantly, while Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax can be studied in small New World monkeys, the simian malaria parasites can be studied more effectively in the larger Old World monkey macaque hosts, which are more closely related to humans. In addition to ex vivo analyses, experimental scenarios can include passage through Anopheline mosquito hosts and longitudinal infections in monkeys to study acute and chronic infections, as well as relapses, all in the context of the in vivo host environment. Such experiments provide opportunities for understanding functional genomic elements that govern host–parasite interactions, immunity and pathogenesis in-depth, addressing hypotheses not possible from in vitro cultures or cross-sectional clinical studies with humans.

scholarly journals Asymptomatic Natural Human Infections With the Simian Malaria Parasites Plasmodium cynomolgi and Plasmodium knowlesi

2018 ◽  
Vol 219 (5) ◽  
pp. 695-702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mallika Imwong ◽  
Wanassanan Madmanee ◽  
Kanokon Suwannasin ◽  
Chanon Kunasol ◽  
Thomas J Peto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Knowlesi ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Simian Malaria ◽  
Plasmodium Cynomolgi ◽  
Human Infections

scholarly journals Prevalence of simian malaria parasites in macaques of Singapore

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. e0009110
Author(s):  
Meizhi Irene Li ◽  
Diyar Mailepessov ◽  
Indra Vythilingam ◽  
Vernon Lee ◽  
Patrick Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Population ◽  
Malaria Parasite ◽  
Parasite Species ◽  
Plasmodium Knowlesi ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Simian Malaria ◽  
Specific Pcr ◽  
Natural Hosts ◽  
Multiple Species ◽  
Species Specific

Plasmodium knowlesi is a simian malaria parasite currently recognized as the fifth causative agent of human malaria. Recently, naturally acquired P. cynomolgi infection in humans was also detected in Southeast Asia. The main reservoir of both parasites is the long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques, which are indigenous in this region. Due to increased urbanization and changes in land use, there has been greater proximity and interaction between the long-tailed macaques and the general population in Singapore. As such, this study aims to determine the prevalence of simian malaria parasites in local macaques to assess the risk of zoonosis to the general human population. Screening for the presence of malaria parasites was conducted on blood samples from 660 peridomestic macaques collected between Jan 2008 and Mar 2017, and 379 wild macaques collected between Mar 2009 and Mar 2017, using a Pan-Plasmodium-genus specific PCR. Positive samples were then screened using a simian Plasmodium species-specific nested PCR assay to identify the species of parasites (P. knowlesi, P. coatneyi, P. fieldi, P. cynomolgi, and P. inui) present. All the peridomestic macaques sampled were tested negative for malaria, while 80.5% of the 379 wild macaques were infected. All five simian Plasmodium species were detected; P. cynomolgi being the most prevalent (71.5%), followed by P. knowlesi (47.5%), P. inui (42.0%), P. fieldi (32.5%), and P. coatneyi (28.5%). Co-infection with multiple species of Plasmodium parasites was also observed. The study revealed that Singapore’s wild long-tailed macaques are natural hosts of the five simian malaria parasite species, while no malaria was detected in all peridomestic macaques tested. Therefore, the risk of simian malaria transmission to the general human population is concluded to be low. However, this can be better demonstrated with the incrimination of the vectors of simian malaria parasites in Singapore.

scholarly journals Plasmodium knowlesi infecting humans in Southeast Asia: What’s next?

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. e0008900
Author(s):  
Nantha Kumar Jeyaprakasam ◽  
Jonathan Wee Kent Liew ◽  
Van Lun Low ◽  
Wan-Yusoff Wan-Sulaiman ◽  
Indra Vythilingam
Keyword(s):  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Plasmodium Knowlesi ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Molecular Tools ◽  
Simian Malaria ◽  
Plasmodium Cynomolgi ◽  
Plasmodium Inui ◽  
Malaysian Borneo

Plasmodium knowlesi, a simian malaria parasite, has been in the limelight since a large focus of human P. knowlesi infection was reported from Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo) in 2004. Although this infection is transmitted across Southeast Asia, the largest number of cases has been reported from Malaysia. The increasing number of knowlesi malaria cases has been attributed to the use of molecular tools for detection, but environmental changes including deforestation likely play a major role by increasing human exposure to vector mosquitoes, which coexist with the macaque host. In addition, with the reduction in human malaria transmission in Southeast Asia, it is possible that human populations are at a greater risk of P. knowlesi infection due to diminishing cross-species immunity. Furthermore, the possibility of increasing exposure of humans to other simian Plasmodium parasites such as Plasmodium cynomolgi and Plasmodium inui should not be ignored. We here review the current status of these parasites in humans, macaques, and mosquitoes to support necessary reorientation of malaria control and elimination in the affected areas.

scholarly journals Non-human primate and human malaria: past, present and future

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Spinello Antinori ◽  
Cecilia Bonazzetti ◽  
Andrea Giacomelli ◽  
Mario Corbellino ◽  
Massimo Galli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Knowlesi ◽  
Plasmodium Species ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Human Malaria ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Zoonotic Malaria ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Human Plasmodium ◽  
Human Primate

Abstract Background Studies of the malaria parasites infecting various non-human primates (NHPs) have increased our understanding of the origin, biology and pathogenesis of human Plasmodium parasites. This review considers the major discoveries concerning NHP malaria parasites, highlights their relationships with human malaria and considers the impact that this may have on attempts to eradicate the disease. Results The first description of NHP malaria parasites dates back to the early 20th century. Subsequently, experimental and fortuitous findings indicating that some NHP malaria parasites can be transmitted to humans have raised concerns about the possible impact of a zoonotic malaria reservoir on efforts to control human malaria. Advances in molecular techniques over the last 15 years have contributed greatly to our knowledge of the existence and geographical distribution of numerous Plasmodium species infecting NHPs, and extended our understanding of their close phylogenetic relationships with human malaria parasites. The clinical application of such techniques has also made it possible to document ongoing spillovers of NHP malaria parasites (Plasmodium knowlesi, P. cynomolgi, P. simium, P. brasilianum) in humans living in or near the forests of Asia and South America, thus confirming that zoonotic malaria can undermine efforts to eradicate human malaria. Conclusions Increasing molecular research supports the prophetic intuition of the pioneers of modern malariology who saw zoonotic malaria as a potential obstacle to the full success of malaria eradication programmes. It is, therefore, important to continue surveillance and research based on one-health approaches in order to improve our understanding of the complex interactions between NHPs, mosquito vectors and humans during a period of ongoing changes in the climate and the use of land, monitor the evolution of zoonotic malaria, identify the populations most at risk and implement appropriate preventive strategies.

Current status of Plasmodium knowlesi vectors: a public health concern?

Parasitology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 145 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. VYTHILINGAM ◽  
M. L. WONG ◽  
W. S. WAN-YUSSOF
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Plasmodium Knowlesi ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Malaria Vectors ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Simian Malaria ◽  
And Control

SUMMARYPlasmodium knowlesi a simian malaria parasite is currently affecting humans in Southeast Asia. Malaysia has reported the most number of cases and P. knowlesi is the predominant species occurring in humans. The vectors of P. knowlesi belong to the Leucosphyrus group of Anopheles mosquitoes. These are generally described as forest-dwelling mosquitoes. With deforestation and changes in land-use, some species have become predominant in farms and villages. However, knowledge on the distribution of these vectors in the country is sparse. From a public health point of view it is important to know the vectors, so that risk factors towards knowlesi malaria can be identified and control measures instituted where possible. Here, we review what is known about the knowlesi malaria vectors and ascertain the gaps in knowledge, so that future studies could concentrate on this paucity of data in-order to address this zoonotic problem.

scholarly journals Lineage-specific positive selection at the merozoite surface protein 1 (msp1) locus of Plasmodium vivax and related simian malaria parasites

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiromi Sawai ◽  
Hiroto Otani ◽  
Nobuko Arisue ◽  
Nirianne Palacpac ◽  
Leonardo de Oliveira Martins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Selection ◽  
Plasmodium Vivax ◽  
Surface Protein ◽  
Merozoite Surface Protein ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Simian Malaria ◽  
Merozoite Surface Protein 1
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