Plasmodium knowlesi

Plasmodium knowlesi is a parasite that causes malaria, primarily in Southeast Asia. It naturally infects macaque monkeys but can also infect humans through mosquito bites. Once inside the human bloodstream, it infects red blood cells, leading to symptoms like fever, chills, and aches. Unlike some types of malaria, P. knowlesi can multiply quickly, potentially causing severe illness if not treated promptly. It’s important to seek medical care if bitten in endemic areas. Diagnosis involves blood tests, and effective treatments are available, making early detection crucial for recovery.