Plasmodium knowlesi
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Plasmodium knowlesi
Classification
- Eukaryota, Alveolata, Apicomplexa, Aconoidasida, Haemosporida, Plasmodium, knowlesi
Description and significance
- Plasmodium knowlesi is one of 5 known strains of malaria and is the most recently discovered strain of the group. Initially discovered in 1927 by Giuseppe, the parasite originally caused malaria in long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques. However, more recently P. knowlesi has been a popular source of malaria in humans due to urban development and increased interactions with forest fringes. In certain areas of South East Asia it accounts for up to 70% of all malaria cases. The virus can be transmitted to humans both directly, by the bite of an infected macaques, or indirectly through the bite of a mosquito carrying the virus. Plasmodium knowlesi has health, social and economic consequences for the regions affected by it. Although treatable, malaria continues to be the most important cause of fever and morbidity in tropical regions of the world. The virus undergoes asexual erythrocytic cycle replication in a 24 hour time period and therefore is known to cause sever and rapid cases of malaria in humans upon infection.
Genome structure
Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes and plasmids? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence?
Cell structure, metabolism & life cycle
Provide a physical and biochemical description of the organism. What kind of organism is it, what does it look like, how is it built, what are its metabolic properties, how can it be identified, what is it's life cycle, &c. In other words, describe the organism from its perspective.
Ecology (including pathogenesis)
Describe its habitat, symbiosis, and contributions to environment. If it is a pathogen, how does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Describe virulence factors and patient symptoms.
Interesting feature
Describe in detail one particularly interesting aspect of your organism or it's affect on humans or the environment.
