Monkey malaria in humans: a diagnostic dilemma with conflicting laboratory data

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2009 Jun;80(6):927-8.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Antimalarials / therapeutic use
  • Chloroquine / therapeutic use
  • DNA, Protozoan / blood
  • DNA, Protozoan / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Malaria / diagnosis*
  • Malaria / drug therapy
  • Malaria / parasitology*
  • Male
  • Plasmodium knowlesi / isolation & purification*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Primaquine / therapeutic use
  • RNA, Ribosomal / genetics

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • DNA, Protozoan
  • RNA, Ribosomal
  • Chloroquine
  • Primaquine