Epidemiology of the zoonotic malaria Plasmodium knowlesi in changing landscapes

Cuenca, P. R., Key, S., Jumail, A., Surendra, H., Ferguson, H. M. , Drakeley, C. and Fornace, K. (2021) Epidemiology of the zoonotic malaria Plasmodium knowlesi in changing landscapes. Advances in Parasitology, 113, pp. 225-286. (doi: 10.1016/bs.apar.2021.08.006) (PMID:34620384)

Abstract

Within the past two decades, incidence of human cases of the zoonotic malaria Plasmodium knowlesi has increased markedly. P. knowlesi is now the most common cause of human malaria in Malaysia and threatens to undermine malaria control programmes across Southeast Asia. The emergence of zoonotic malaria corresponds to a period of rapid deforestation within this region. These environmental changes impact the distribution and behaviour of the simian hosts, mosquito vector species and human populations, creating new opportunities for P. knowlesi transmission. Here, we review how landscape changes can drive zoonotic disease emergence, examine the extent and causes of these changes across Southeast and identify how these mechanisms may be impacting P. knowlesi dynamics. We review the current spatial epidemiology of reported P. knowlesi infections in people and assess how these demographic and environmental changes may lead to changes in transmission patterns. Finally, we identify opportunities to improve P. knowlesi surveillance and develop targeted ecological interventions within these landscapes.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Fornace, Dr Kimberly and Ferguson, Professor Heather
• Authors: Cuenca, P. R., Key, S., Jumail, A., Surendra, H., Ferguson, H. M., Drakeley, C., and Fornace, K.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Advances in Parasitology
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0065-308X
• ISSN (Online): 2163-6079
• Published Online: 15 September 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd.
• First Published: First published in Advances in Parasitology 113: 225-286
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy