Abstract
Plasmodium knowlesi, originally known to cause simian malaria, is now recognized as the fifth human malarial parasite; in addition to P. vivax, P.alciparum, P. malariae & P. ovale. It is predominant in South East (SE) Asian Countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Singapore, Brunei, and Philippines. However, until recently, its prevalence was miniscule in India. A recent report from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, revealed presence of P. knowlesi-specific gene sequences in 53 out of 445 cases scanned for malarial parasites. The life cycle of the parasite, like its other counterparts, requires infection of both a mosquito and a warm-blooded host. The present review provides a detailed overview of the parasite, its life cycle, prevalence and its comparisons with other Plasmodium species. In addition, a comparison is drawn at the genomic and genetic level to provide an in-depth understanding of the parasite’s unique characteristics. The cyto-adhering properties and antigenic variants of Plasmodium knowlesi are also discussed.
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