Molecular Prevalence and Identification of Zoonotic Plasmodium spp., Including Plasmodium knowlesi, Plasmodium cynomolgi, and Plasmodium inui, in Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) of Southern Thailand

Zoonotic malaria, caused by simian Plasmodium spp., poses a major public health challenge in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, where long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) serve as natural reservoirs. This study investigated the molecular prevalence and species identification of zoonotic simia...

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Main Authors: Thanawat Hmaidee, Rucksak Rucksaken, Supakarn Kaewchot, Piya Sereerak, Salintorn Thongsahuan, Thitichai Jarudecha, Sakulchit Wichainchot, Phakorn Wilaisri, Chanapath Thabthimsri, Perm Premphoolsawat, Wanat Sricharern
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-01-01
Series:Veterinary Medicine International
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/vmi/3024193
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author Thanawat Hmaidee
Rucksak Rucksaken
Supakarn Kaewchot
Piya Sereerak
Salintorn Thongsahuan
Thitichai Jarudecha
Sakulchit Wichainchot
Phakorn Wilaisri
Chanapath Thabthimsri
Perm Premphoolsawat
Wanat Sricharern
author_facet Thanawat Hmaidee
Rucksak Rucksaken
Supakarn Kaewchot
Piya Sereerak
Salintorn Thongsahuan
Thitichai Jarudecha
Sakulchit Wichainchot
Phakorn Wilaisri
Chanapath Thabthimsri
Perm Premphoolsawat
Wanat Sricharern
author_sort Thanawat Hmaidee
collection DOAJ
description Zoonotic malaria, caused by simian Plasmodium spp., poses a major public health challenge in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, where long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) serve as natural reservoirs. This study investigated the molecular prevalence and species identification of zoonotic simian Plasmodium spp. in macaques from four provinces in Southern Thailand: Phetchaburi, Satun, Phang Nga, and Surat Thani. A total of 310 blood samples were collected between May 2023 and June 2024 and analyzed using nested and seminested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Sequencing analyses confirmed the presence of zoonotic Plasmodium species. Overall, 11.3% (35/310; 95% CI: 7.9–15.3) of the macaques tested positive, with Plasmodium inui being the most prevalent species at 9.4% (29/310), followed by Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium cynomolgi, each at 0.9% (3/310). The highest prevalence was observed in Surat Thani at 18% (18/100). These findings underscore the zoonotic potential of simian malaria and its geographic distribution in Southern Thailand, which may be associated with the significant increase in macaque populations and their expanding habitat overlap with human communities. In conclusion, this study highlights the major role of long-tailed macaques as reservoirs for zoonotic Plasmodium spp. Enhanced surveillance and community awareness are crucial for mitigating cross-species transmission and improving malaria control.
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spelling doaj-art-5b6ef57933de4b86af3cde08d892bd442025-08-20T02:38:23ZengWileyVeterinary Medicine International2042-00482025-01-01202510.1155/vmi/3024193Molecular Prevalence and Identification of Zoonotic Plasmodium spp., Including Plasmodium knowlesi, Plasmodium cynomolgi, and Plasmodium inui, in Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) of Southern ThailandThanawat Hmaidee0Rucksak Rucksaken1Supakarn Kaewchot2Piya Sereerak3Salintorn Thongsahuan4Thitichai Jarudecha5Sakulchit Wichainchot6Phakorn Wilaisri7Chanapath Thabthimsri8Perm Premphoolsawat9Wanat Sricharern10Department of Veterinary NursingDepartment of Veterinary NursingRoyal Thai Government Department of National Park Wildlife and Plant ConservationRoyal Thai Government Department of National Park Wildlife and Plant ConservationRoyal Thai Government Department of National Park Wildlife and Plant ConservationDepartment of Veterinary NursingDepartment of Veterinary TechnologyDepartment of Veterinary NursingDepartment of Veterinary TechnologyDepartment of Veterinary NursingDepartment of Veterinary NursingZoonotic malaria, caused by simian Plasmodium spp., poses a major public health challenge in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, where long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) serve as natural reservoirs. This study investigated the molecular prevalence and species identification of zoonotic simian Plasmodium spp. in macaques from four provinces in Southern Thailand: Phetchaburi, Satun, Phang Nga, and Surat Thani. A total of 310 blood samples were collected between May 2023 and June 2024 and analyzed using nested and seminested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Sequencing analyses confirmed the presence of zoonotic Plasmodium species. Overall, 11.3% (35/310; 95% CI: 7.9–15.3) of the macaques tested positive, with Plasmodium inui being the most prevalent species at 9.4% (29/310), followed by Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium cynomolgi, each at 0.9% (3/310). The highest prevalence was observed in Surat Thani at 18% (18/100). These findings underscore the zoonotic potential of simian malaria and its geographic distribution in Southern Thailand, which may be associated with the significant increase in macaque populations and their expanding habitat overlap with human communities. In conclusion, this study highlights the major role of long-tailed macaques as reservoirs for zoonotic Plasmodium spp. Enhanced surveillance and community awareness are crucial for mitigating cross-species transmission and improving malaria control.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/vmi/3024193
spellingShingle Thanawat Hmaidee
Rucksak Rucksaken
Supakarn Kaewchot
Piya Sereerak
Salintorn Thongsahuan
Thitichai Jarudecha
Sakulchit Wichainchot
Phakorn Wilaisri
Chanapath Thabthimsri
Perm Premphoolsawat
Wanat Sricharern
Molecular Prevalence and Identification of Zoonotic Plasmodium spp., Including Plasmodium knowlesi, Plasmodium cynomolgi, and Plasmodium inui, in Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) of Southern Thailand
Veterinary Medicine International
title Molecular Prevalence and Identification of Zoonotic Plasmodium spp., Including Plasmodium knowlesi, Plasmodium cynomolgi, and Plasmodium inui, in Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) of Southern Thailand
title_full Molecular Prevalence and Identification of Zoonotic Plasmodium spp., Including Plasmodium knowlesi, Plasmodium cynomolgi, and Plasmodium inui, in Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) of Southern Thailand
title_fullStr Molecular Prevalence and Identification of Zoonotic Plasmodium spp., Including Plasmodium knowlesi, Plasmodium cynomolgi, and Plasmodium inui, in Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) of Southern Thailand
title_full_unstemmed Molecular Prevalence and Identification of Zoonotic Plasmodium spp., Including Plasmodium knowlesi, Plasmodium cynomolgi, and Plasmodium inui, in Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) of Southern Thailand
title_short Molecular Prevalence and Identification of Zoonotic Plasmodium spp., Including Plasmodium knowlesi, Plasmodium cynomolgi, and Plasmodium inui, in Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) of Southern Thailand
title_sort molecular prevalence and identification of zoonotic plasmodium spp including plasmodium knowlesi plasmodium cynomolgi and plasmodium inui in long tailed macaques macaca fascicularis of southern thailand
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/vmi/3024193
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