Case series of three malaria patients from Thailand infected with the simian parasite, Plasmodium cynomolgi

• Published in: Malaria Journal
• Main Authors: Piyaporn Sai-ngam, Kingkan Pidtana, Preeyaporn Suida, Kamonporn Poramathikul, Paphavee Lertsethtakarn, Worachet Kuntawunginn, Sarayut Tadsaichol, Montri Arsanok, Siriporn Sornsakrin, Chaiyaporn Chaisatit, Chaiyawat Mathavarat, Sasikanya Thaloengsok, Parat Boonyarangka, Chadin Thongpiam, Samandra Demons, Brian Vesely, Norman C. Waters, Aungkana Saejeng, Mariusz Wojnarski, Sutchana Tabprasit, Chokchai Kwanpichit, John S. Griesenbeck, Michele Spring
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2022
• Subjects: Malaria; Simian; Thailand; Plasmodium; Cynomolgi; Macaques; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Infectious and parasitic diseases; RC109-216; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-022-04167-w; https://doaj.org/article/12bbfbadea7949bdb3c84eb905bf5fa6

Abstract Background While human cases of Plasmodium knowlesi are now regularly recognized in Southeast Asia, infections with other simian malaria species, such as Plasmodium cynomolgi, are still rare. There has been a handful of clinical cases described, all from Malaysia, and retrospective studies of archived blood samples in Thailand and Cambodia have discovered the presence P. cynomolgi in isolates using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Case presentation In Thailand, an ongoing malaria surveillance study enrolled two patients from Yala Province diagnosed with Plasmodium vivax by blood smear, but who were subsequently found to be negative by PCR. Expanded PCR testing of these isolates detected mono-infection with P. cynomolgi, the first time this has been reported in Thailand. Upon re-testing of 60 isolates collected from Yala, one other case was identified, a co-infection of P. cynomolgi and P. vivax. The clinical course for all three was relatively mild, with symptoms commonly seen in malaria: fever, chills and headaches. All infections were cured with a course of chloroquine and primaquine. Conclusion In malaria-endemic areas with macaque populations, cases of simian malaria in humans are being reported at an increasing rate, although still comprise a very small percentage of total cases. Plasmodium cynomolgi and P. vivax are challenging to distinguish by blood smear; therefore, PCR can be employed when infections are suspected or as part of systematic malaria surveillance. As Thai MoPH policy schedules regular follow-up visits after each malaria infection, identifying those with P. cynomolgi will allow for monitoring of treatment efficacy, although at this time P. cynomolgi appears to have an uncomplicated clinical course and good response to commonly used anti-malarials.