A systematic review of asymptomatic Plasmodium knowlesi infection: an emerging challenge involving an emerging infectious disease

Abstract

Background In the last decade Plasmodium knowlesi has been detected in humans throughout South East Asia. The highest risk groups for this infection are males, adults and those performing forest-related work. Furthermore, asymptomatic cases of P. knowlesi malaria have been reported including among women and children. Methods Pubmed, Scopus and the Web of Science databases for literature describing asymptomatic P. knowlesi malaria published between 2010 and 2020 were searched. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies reporting the prevalence and incidence of laboratory confirmed asymptomatic P. knowlesi cases in humans, their clinical and demographic characteristics, and methods used to diagnose these cases. Results By analysing over 102 papers, thirteen were eligible for this review. Asymptomatic P. knowlesi infections have been detected in 0.03%–4.0% of the population depending on region, and infections have been described in children as young as 2 years old. Various different diagnostic methods were used to detect P. knowlesi cases and there were differing definitions of asymptomatic cases in these studies. The literature indicates that regionally-differing immune-related mechanisms may play a part on the prevalence of asymptomatic P. knowlesi. Conclusion Differing epidemiological characteristics of asymptomatic P. knowlesi malaria in different regions reinforces the need to further investigate disease transmission mechanics. Effective public health responses to changes in P. knowlesi epidemiology require proactive intervention and multisectoral collaboration.

Increasing incidence of Plasmodium ovale and persistent reporting of Plasmodium vivax in imported malaria cases: an analysis of 9-year surveillance data in four areas of China

“…Besides, though we did not detect any case infected with Plasmodium knowlesi ( P. knowlesi ) in the four studied areas from 2011 to 2019, the expanding prevalence of P. knowlesi infection in Southeast Asia should never be ignored for the control and elimination of malaria. P. knowlesi infection occurs in forested areas where monkeys and humans coexist ( 26 ). The majority of P. knowlesi malaria infections cause mild clinical manifestations, with an estimated 6%–9% of severe cases and increasingly frequently reported asymptomatic infections in the last decade ( 27 ).…”

Advancing Women's Health in Nigeria: A Review of Laboratory Science Contributions Description

“…The study found that multimorbidity prevalence ranges from 27% to 74% among elderly Nigerians, with cardiovascular, metabolic, and musculoskeletal conditions being the most frequent patterns of multimorbidity. A group researchers conducted a systematic review of asymptomatic Plasmodium knowlesi infection, emphasizing the differing epidemiological characteristics of asymptomatic P. knowlesi malaria in different regions (Naserrudin et al, 2022). The study reinforced the need to further investigate disease transmission mechanics and highlighted the importance of effective public health responses to changes in P. knowlesi epidemiology.…”