Monkey Malaria in Humans: A Diagnostic Dilemma with Conflicting Laboratory Data

Catherine W. M. Ong National University Health System, Singapore; Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, Singapore

Search for other papers by Catherine W. M. Ong in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Shir Ying Lee National University Health System, Singapore; Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, Singapore

Search for other papers by Shir Ying Lee in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Wee Hong Koh National University Health System, Singapore; Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, Singapore

Search for other papers by Wee Hong Koh in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Eng-Eong Ooi National University Health System, Singapore; Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, Singapore

Search for other papers by Eng-Eong Ooi in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Paul A. Tambyah National University Health System, Singapore; Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, Singapore

Search for other papers by Paul A. Tambyah in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Restricted access

Plasmodium knowlesi has recently been recognized as the fifth Plasmodium species causing malaria in humans. Diagnosis is difficult morphologically, and currently, available rapid tests have not been comprehensively evaluated with this pathogen. We report a case of P. knowlesi malaria that was confirmed after the initial clue of discordant microscopy and immunochromatographic results, highlighting the importance of molecular diagnostics in cases with the relevant clinical and epidemiologic history.

Author Notes

  • 1

    Johnson BW, Russell BJ, Lanciotti RS, 2005. Serotype-specific detection of dengue viruses in a fourplex real-time reverse transcriptase PCR assay. J Clin Microbiol 43 :4977–4983.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 2

    Rougemont M, Van Saanen M, Sahli R, Hinrikson HP, Bille J, Haton K, 2004. Detection of four Plasmodium species in blood from humans by 18S rRNA gene subunit-based and species specific real-time PCR assays. J Clin Microbiol 42 :5636–5643.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 3

    Somchai J, Putaporntip C, Iwasaki T, Sata T, Kanbara H, 2004. Naturally acquired Plasmodium knowlesi malaria in human, Thailand. Emerg Infect Dis 10 :2211–2213.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 4

    Chin W, Contacos PG, Coatney GR, 1965. A naturally acquired quotidian-type malaria in man transferable to monkeys. Science 149 :865.

  • 5

    Singh B, Sung LK, Matusop A, Radhakrishnan A, Shamsul SS, Cox-Singh J, Thomas A, Conway DJ, 2004. A large focus of naturally acquired Plasmodium knowlesi infections in human beings. Lancet 363 :1017–1024.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 6

    Ng OT, Ooi EE, Lee CC, Lee PJ, Ng LC, Pei SW, Tu TM, Loh JP, Leo YS, 2008. Naturally acquired human Plasmodium knowlesi infection, Singapore. Emerg Infect Dis 14 :814–816.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 7

    De Monbrison F, Gérome P, Chaulet JF, Wallon M, Picot S, Peyron F, 2004. Comparative diagnostic performance of two commercial rapid tests for malaria in a non-endemic area. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 23 :784–786.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 8

    BinaxNow© Malaria Test Kit, 2007. Inverness Medical Professional Diagnostics, Scarborough, Maine. Rev. 2. 19 July 2007.

    • PubMed
    • Export Citation
  • 9

    McCutchan TF, Piper RC, Makler MT, 2008. Use of malaria rapid diagnostic test to identify Plasmodium knowlesi infection. Emerg Infect Dis 14 :1750–1752.

  • 10

    Cox-Singh J, Davis TM, Lee KS, Shamsul SS, Matusop A, Ratnam S, Rahman HA, Conway DJ, Singh B, 2008. Plasmodium knowlesi malaria in humans is widely distributed and potentially life threatening. Clin Infect Dis 46 :165–171.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
Past two years Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 306 269 38
Full Text Views 238 6 1
PDF Downloads 61 7 1
 
 
 
 
Affiliate Membership Banner
 
 
Research for Health Information Banner
 
 
CLOCKSS
 
 
 
Society Publishers Coalition Banner
Save