Scholarlink

<p><i>Plasmodium malariae (P.m.)</i> represents the least studied of the five human-malaria-causing <i>Plasmodium</i> species, despite its widespread global distribution. Control of <i>P.m</i>. is challenging due to the parasite’s unique biological features, unavailability of <i>P.m</i>.-specific diagnostic methods, chronic low-grade parasitemia, and suboptimal clinical features. Emerging evidence suggests increasing antimalarial drug resistance and reduced susceptibility to first-line antimalarials. Its capacity for chronic infection, diagnostic challenges, and emerging drug resistance threaten malaria elimination efforts. Thus, it represents a significant yet underappreciated contributor to global malaria burden. Enhanced molecular diagnostics, targeted therapeutic strategies, and improved surveillance systems are urgently needed to address this neglected pathogen and prevent its resurgence when other malaria species are under control. Here, we synthesize current knowledge on <i>P.m</i>. biology, public health impact, immune paradigm, and clinical manifestations. We discuss the research gaps, outstanding questions, and novel approaches to study <i>P.m</i>. biology.</p><p></p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Plasmodium malariae is an overlooked malaria parasite with emerging challenges

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月9日

查看全文
  • Hari Shankar,
  • Gaurav Kumar,
  • Naseem Ahmed,
  • Anat Florentin

摘要

Plasmodium malariae (P.m.) represents the least studied of the five human-malaria-causing Plasmodium species, despite its widespread global distribution. Control of P.m. is challenging due to the parasite’s unique biological features, unavailability of P.m.-specific diagnostic methods, chronic low-grade parasitemia, and suboptimal clinical features. Emerging evidence suggests increasing antimalarial drug resistance and reduced susceptibility to first-line antimalarials. Its capacity for chronic infection, diagnostic challenges, and emerging drug resistance threaten malaria elimination efforts. Thus, it represents a significant yet underappreciated contributor to global malaria burden. Enhanced molecular diagnostics, targeted therapeutic strategies, and improved surveillance systems are urgently needed to address this neglected pathogen and prevent its resurgence when other malaria species are under control. Here, we synthesize current knowledge on P.m. biology, public health impact, immune paradigm, and clinical manifestations. We discuss the research gaps, outstanding questions, and novel approaches to study P.m. biology.