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F1000Research2024; 10; 645; doi: 10.12688/f1000research.53946.4

Preliminary Evidence of Human Plasmodium in Domestic Animals from a Malaria-Endemic Region in Indonesia.

Abstract: In Indonesia, malaria incidence is at a high rate despite maximum preventive efforts. Therefore, this study aims to determine the possibility of a reservoir among domestic animals in malaria-endemic areas. Animal blood was collected using EDTA tubes, then smeared and stained with Giemsa for microscopic identification. About 10 μl of blood was dropped on to a filter paper to capture DNA. Nested PCR was used for parasite molecular detection, while species were identified using the sequenced DNA. A total of 208 and 62 animal blood samples were collected from Gaura village, West Sumba and Fakfak village, West Papua, Indonesia respectively. In total, 32 samples from Gaura contained or , while the percentage in buffalo, horse, goat, and dogs were 20.7%, 14.3%, 5.8%, 16.7%, respectively. was not found in any of the samples, and no other species were detected in 18 pig blood samples. The human DNA in domestic animals within malaria-endemic regions suggests a potential link to the persistence and high prevalence of malaria in these areas. While the findings suggest a potential role of domestic animals in malaria transmission, they remain preliminary and do not definitively establish domestic animals as reservoirs. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings and to better understand the contribution of domestic animals to the transmission dynamics of malaria.
Copyright: © 2024 Munirah M et al.
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Publication Date: 2024-12-10 PubMed ID: 39931544PubMed Central: PMC11809677DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.53946.4Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This study investigates whether domestic animals in malaria-endemic regions of Indonesia might act as reservoirs for human malaria parasites.
  • The research detected human Plasmodium DNA in several domestic animals, indicating a possible connection to persistent malaria transmission.

Background and Objective

  • Indonesia experiences a high incidence of malaria despite extensive preventive measures.
  • Understanding all potential reservoirs of malaria parasites is crucial to controlling and eliminating the disease.
  • The main goal of this study was to explore whether domestic animals in malaria-endemic areas harbor human malaria parasites and therefore contribute to ongoing transmission.

Methods

  • Sample Collection: Blood samples were collected from domestic animals using EDTA tubes from two villages — Gaura in West Sumba and Fakfak in West Papua.
  • Microscopic Examination: Blood smears were stained with Giemsa and microscopically examined for parasite identification.
  • DNA Collection: Approximately 10 μl of blood was placed on filter paper for DNA extraction.
  • Molecular Detection: Nested PCR was performed to detect Plasmodium DNA.
  • Species Identification: PCR products were sequenced to determine the specific Plasmodium species present.

Results

  • A total of 270 domestic animal blood samples were analyzed (208 from Gaura village, 62 from Fakfak village).
  • From Gaura, 32 samples tested positive for human Plasmodium DNA, specifically Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax.
  • The prevalence rates of Plasmodium DNA in different animals from Gaura were:
    • Buffalo: 20.7%
    • Horse: 14.3%
    • Goat: 5.8%
    • Dogs: 16.7%
  • No Plasmodium falciparum DNA was detected in these samples.
  • 18 pig blood samples did not reveal any presence of Plasmodium species.

Implications

  • The detection of human Plasmodium DNA in domestic animals suggests these animals might act as silent reservoirs for malaria parasites.
  • This could be a factor contributing to the persistence and high malaria prevalence in these endemic regions.
  • Identifying animal reservoirs is significant since most malaria control programs focus exclusively on human transmission cycles.

Limitations and Future Research

  • The findings are preliminary and do not conclusively establish domestic animals as reservoirs capable of transmitting malaria back to humans.
  • Additional studies are necessary to:
    • Determine if domestic animals can sustain viable infections and transmit parasites to mosquito vectors.
    • Evaluate the epidemiological significance of these animal infections in malaria transmission dynamics.
    • Investigate the potential implications for malaria control and elimination strategies targeting both human and animal reservoirs.

Conclusion

  • This study provides initial molecular evidence of human malaria parasites in domestic animals in malaria-endemic areas of Indonesia.
  • While intriguing, these results highlight the need for deeper investigation into the role domestic animals may play in malaria persistence and transmission.

Cite This Article

APA
Munirah M, Wahyuni S, Wahid I, Hamid F. (2024). Preliminary Evidence of Human Plasmodium in Domestic Animals from a Malaria-Endemic Region in Indonesia. F1000Res, 10, 645. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.53946.4

Publication

F1000Research
ISSN: 2046-1402
NlmUniqueID: 101594320
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 10
Pages: 645
PII: 645

Researcher Affiliations

Munirah, Munirah
  • Doctoral Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, 90245, Indonesia.
Wahyuni, Sitti
  • Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, 90245, Indonesia.
Wahid, Isra
  • Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, 90245, Indonesia.
Hamid, Firdaus
  • Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar. Jln. Perintis Kemerdekaan 10 Tamalanrea, Makassar, South Sulawesi, 90245, Indonesia.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Indonesia / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Malaria / epidemiology
  • Malaria / veterinary
  • Malaria / parasitology
  • Plasmodium / genetics
  • Plasmodium / isolation & purification
  • Animals, Domestic / parasitology
  • Endemic Diseases
  • DNA, Protozoan / genetics

Conflict of Interest Statement

No competing interests were disclosed.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Hasyim H, Jassey B, Yudhastuti R, Misnaniarti M, Liberty IA, Sunarsih E, Priyanto L, Dalilah D, Yusri Y, Taufiq FH, Maharani FE, Hakim L, Herlinda S. Prevalence of Plasmodium spp. in humans and cattle: Implications for zoonotic malaria transmission in Indonesia.. Vet World 2025 Jul;18(7):1831-1839.
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