Researchers say that malaria strain P.knowlesi, thus far found in monkeys only, is spreading to humans too.
Of particular concern is that this strain could be confused with another parasite P.malariae, found in tropical and sub-tropical regions across the globe. The latter is considered considerably less serious.A study at the University Malaysia Sarawak shows that P. knowlesi can easily be mistaken for P. malariae under the microscope.
However, unlike its cousin, P. knowlesi has the ability to reproduce every 24 hours in the blood - meaning infection is potentially deadly.
Researcher Professor Balbir Singh said this meant early diagnosis and treatment were crucial.
Malaria - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Prevention, Treatment
Malaria is caused by a parasite that enters blood through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is characterized by fever, vomiting, shivering, sweating and other symptoms.
Malaria is caused by a parasite that enters blood through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is characterized by fever, vomiting, shivering, sweating and other symptoms.
They found that P. knowlesi accounted for more than two-thirds of the infections, resulting in a wide spectrum of disease.
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However, around one in ten patients had developed complications, such as breathing difficulties and kidney problems, and two died.
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And the researchers stress it is hard to determine an accurate fatality rate given the small number of cases so far studied.
All of the P. knowlesi patients had a low blood platelet count, significantly lower than that usually found for other types of malaria.
However, even though blood platelets are essential for blood clotting, no cases of excessive bleeding or problems with clotting were identified.
The researchers believe the low blood platelet count could be used as a potential way to diagnose P. knowlesi infections.
Professor Singh said: "The increase in tourism in South East Asia may mean that more cases are detected in the future, including in Western countries.
"Clinicians assessing a patient who has visited an area with known or possible P. knowlesi transmission should be aware of the diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and rapid and potentially serious course of P. knowlesi malaria."
Although the new form of the disease has so far been concentrated in South East Asia, the researchers warn that tourism to the region could soon see cases appearing in Western countries too.
The work appears in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Source-Medindia
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