Plasmodium knowlesi Infection: Should Africa be Prepared for a New Human Malaria Threat?
Journal Title: International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health - Year 2016, Vol 19, Issue 4
Abstract
Background: Human malaria was always believed to be caused by any of four species of Plasmodium namely; Plasmodium vivax, P. falciparum, P. ovale and P. malariae. However, a few years ago, it was observed that Plasmodium knowlesi could naturally infect humans especially in South East Asia. Can we have P. knowlesi infections in Africa? Are we prepared for a new human malaria threat? African institutions might not be searching for this parasite. There is no documented endemic transmission of this parasite in Africa despite many factors that could support its occurrence probably due to clinical and laboratory challenges in the diagnosis of P. knowlesi infections. A misdiagnosis may delay appropriate therapy leading to fatal consequences. Methodology: This article reviewed in some details many issues surrounding P. knowlesi malaria diagnosis and infection in other parts of the world and the many factors that could promote transmission and occurrence of this infection in Africa through a database search (PubMed, Google Scholar, Cab direct, and African Journals Online) using terms related to the intended review. This is an area that has not been explored by authors in the past. Conclusion: The possibility of transmission of P. knowlesi in tourist sites in Asia and spread through international travel to Africa is a reality. The Zika and Ebola experiences are clear examples of how international travel and interactions between man and vectors could lead to fatal consequences. Subsequently, these consequences can be averted when the scientific and clinical communities are primed to recognize and combat an emergence of P. knowlesi infections in non-endemic regions.
Authors and Affiliations
Kenneth Ikenna Onyedibe, Michael O. Iroezindu, Emmanuel Tumininu Obishakin, Mark Okolo Ojogba, Emmanuel Olushola Shobowale, Ita Okokon Ita, Ubong Aniefiok Udoh, Samson Ejiji Isa, Daniel Z. Egah
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP328913
- DOI 10.9734/IJTDH/2016/29180
- Views 66
- Downloads 0
Socio-demographic and Environmental Factors Affecting the Prevalence and Spread of Tuberculosis in South West Region of Cameroon
Aims: To carry out a household based study in the South West Region of Cameroon to evaluate the effects of selected environmental and social factors affecting the prevalence and spread of tuberculosis. Study Design: This...
Prevalent Components of Metabolic Syndrome and Their Correlates in Apparently Healthy Individuals in Sub-saharan Africa
Aim: To assess the prevalent components of metabolic syndrome (MSC) and their related determinants of lipid metabolism in the Nigerian for early diagnosis, prevention and management of the metabolic syndrome (MS) and its...
Maximum Inhibitory Dilution of Water Suspension Garlic Extract against oral Candida albicans Isolated from Patients Hospitalized in Intensive Care Unit
Aims: To determine the maximum inhibitory dilution (MID) of a water suspension of garlic extract against oral yeasts of Candida albicans isolated from patients hospitalized in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Study Design:...
Epidemiological Profile of Tuberculosis in the Provinces of Laayoune and Tarfaya, Morocco (2006-2012)
Aims: Tuberculosis is considered as one of the major causes of mortality worldwide after AIDS in the recent years. The present work aims to bring out the epidemiological profile of tuberculosis in the provinces of Laayou...
Thymic Atrophy during Infection as a Host Response to Avoid Tolerance to Persistent Pathogens
The immune system consists in part of a functionally competent T-cell repertoire that is reactive to foreign antigens but tolerant to self-antigens. The repertoire of T cells is primarily formed in the thymus through pos...