Human Plasmodium in Domestic Animals in West Sumba and Fakfak, Indonesia

Abstract Background: Although maximum efforts have been made, malaria in several areas in Indonesia is still high. This study aims to detect the possibility of a Plasmodium reservoir in domestic animals in endemic malaria areas.Methods: Blood from the domestic animal was collected by EDTA tube, smeared and stained by Giemsa for detecting Plasmodium microscopically. Ten µl blood from EDTA tube dripped into filter paper for Plasmodium DNA capture. Nested PCR was used for the molecular detection of parasites, and DNA was sequenced from PCR products to ascertain Plasmodium species.Result: A total of 208 and 62 animal blood samples were collected from Gaura and Fakfak villages. Thirty-two of 270 animals contained P. falciparum or P. vivax, and all are from Gaura village. The percentage of Plasmodium in buffalo, horse, goat, and dog is 20.7%, 14.3%, 5.8%, 16.7%, respectively. Neither P. knowlesi found in all samples, nor parasite detected in 18 pig blood samples.Conclusion: Human Plasmodium exists in domestic animals in Indonesia. This finding may partly explain the persistence of the high prevalence of malaria in some endemic areas in Indonesia and may affect public health and malaria control strategy.