The First Report of Plasmodium Ovale wallikeri in Kerala, India
V. Meenakshi
PH & SPO NVBDCP, Directorate of Health Services, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala, India.
M. S. Sasi
Directorate of Health Services, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala, India.
K. Anju Viswan *
Former State Vector Borne Disease Consultant, Directorate of Health Services, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The first imported case of Plasmodium ovale wallikeri malaria in Kerala, was reported after confirmation using both conventional microscopy and PCR-based protocols. The patient was a 51-year-old Indian male belongs to northern part of Kerala, the Kannur district, Southern India. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these isolates showed close homology with West African genotypes. Based on his travel history, it was found that the parasite was dormant for at least one year. The relatively long incubation period of P. ovale may obscure the link between exposure and onset of disease. Given the recent increase in the number of people travelling to areas where P. ovale is endemic, a PCR-based protocol should be included as a complementary tool for malaria reference laboratories, especially in the context of achieving the malaria elimination target of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Keywords: Malaria, Kerala, Plasmodium ovale, long incubation period