Association of Anemia with Malaria Incidence in Long-Tailed Macaques: Implications for Zoonotic Disease Control
Association of Anemia with Malaria Incidence in Long-Tailed Macaques: Implications for Zoonotic Disease Control
Atria Destriana Fath1, Afiat Berbudi2, Huda Shalahudin Darusman3, Lis Rosmanah3, Endang Yuni Setyowati1, Nisa Fauziah2, Upik Kesumawati Hadi3, Susi Soviana3, Uus Saepuloh3, Shafia Khairani1,2*
ABSTRACT
Long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), a primate species endemic to Indonesia, frequently interact with humans, increasing their risk of contracting zoonotic diseases such as malaria caused by Plasmodium spp. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of malaria, identify the specific Plasmodium species involved, and analyze the relationship between anemia and clinical symptoms in long-tailed macaques. This study has significance for primate conservation efforts and zoonotic disease control strategies by addressing the subclinical impact of malaria in macaques. Thin blood smears stained with 5% Giemsa were examined microscopically at 1000x magnification to identify malaria parasites. Statistical analysis using the Chi-square test assessed the association between anemia and clinical symptoms. A total of 30 blood samples collected in June-July 2020 were analyzed, including samples that previously tested positive for Plasmodium inui in the 2020 study (40% positive rate). The results revealed an incidence rate of 2.23% in the population studied. Normochromic normocytic anemia was the most commonly observed type, regardless of malaria status. Clinical symptoms included emaciation, anorexia, diarrhea, and asymptomatic cases. However, Chi-square analysis showed no significant association between anemia and observed clinical symptoms (p > 0.05). These findings highlight the need for targeted malaria management strategies in long-tailed macaques that take into account subclinical impacts and broader implications for zoonotic disease control. Such an understanding could provide valuable input into both conservation initiatives and efforts to mitigate human-primate disease transmission.
Keywords | Anemia, Malaria, Macaca fascicularis, Plasmodium inui, Zoonoses
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