The discovery of human Plasmodium among domestic animals in West Sumba and Fakfak, Indonesia

Background : In Indonesia, malaria incidence is at a high rate despite maximum preventive efforts. Therefore, this study aims to determine the possibility of a Plasmodium  reservoir among domestic animals in malaria-endemic areas. Methods :  Animal blood was collected using EDTA tubes, then smeared and stained with Giemsa for Plasmodium  microscopic identification. About 10 µl of blood was dropped on to a filter paper to capture  Plasmodium  DNA. Nested PCR was used for parasite molecular detection, while Plasmodium  species were identified using the sequenced DNA. Results : A total of 208 and 62 animal blood samples were collected from Gaura village, West Sumba and Fakfak village, West Papua, Indonesia respectively. In total, 32 samples from Gaura contained  P. falciparum  or  P. vivax , while the Plasmodium  percentage in buffalo, horse, goat, and dogs were 20.7%, 14.3%, 5.8%, 16.7%, respectively. P. knowlesi  was not found in any of the samples, and no other species were detected in 18 pig blood samples. Conclusion: Human Plasmodium existence among domestic animals in Indonesia partly explains the high prevalence and persistence of malaria in some endemic areas due to a reservoir host presence. Therefore, future studies need to ascertain the cause.