Plasmodium knowlesi is a blood parasite that is spread by mosquitoes and causes malaria. It exists mainly in regions where mosquitoes can live year-round, especially in tropical and subtropical climates. The sources of infection in nature are certain monkeys, such as macaques, which usually don’t get any symptoms. However, in other primates, such as rhesus monkeys and people, the infection can cause very severe symptoms and death.
Animals can't spread the infection directly to each other or to people, and people can't spread the infection directly to other people. However, if a mosquito bites an infected person, the mosquito can spread the parasite when it bites another person or animal.
Symptoms of Plasmodium knowlesi in Animals
Some monkeys, such as macaques, rarely get symptoms of Plasmodium knowlesi but act as carriers of the parasite. Other primates, such as rhesus monkeys and baboons, get very sick and can die without treatment. Symptoms in these nonhuman primates are similar to those in people and include:
fever, often spiking
lack of energy
lack of appetite
anemia
jaundice (yellowing of skin)
large spleen
Diagnosis and Treatment of Plasmodium knowlesi in Animals
Plasmodium organisms can be seen in the blood under a microscope. A genetic test can identify this particular type of plasmodium.
Nonhuman primates that are infected by Plasmodium knowlesi are usually in experimental settings, and all malaria treatments that work for people are effective for animals. No other animals require treatment because they don't get this disease.
Prevention of Plasmodium knowlesi in Animals
Prevention of Plasmodium knowlesi infection in animals is important in research and rescue settings where nonhuman primates are housed. Protection from mosquitoes is the best control, including mosquito netting and local insect control measures.
Important Human Health Points Regarding Plasmodium knowlesi
Plasmodium knowlesi causes malaria in primates and people and is spread by mosquitoes.
Animals can't spread the organism directly to people, and people can't spread it to each other.
Protection from mosquitoes is important for prevention.
Treatment for people is also effective for primates.
