Hidden hematological, biochemical and immune costs of asymptomatic malaria infections in semi-wild chimpanzees.

ABSTRACT: The health consequences of Plasmodium infections in wild great apes, particularly in asymptomatic animals, remain poorly understood. This study investigated the hematological and immune impacts of natural malaria infections in 27 semi-wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) from Gabon. Using MinION sequencing and species-specific PCR, results showed a 48.15% overall Plasmodium infection rate, with frequent multi-species co-infections involving Plasmodium gaboni, Plasmodium reichenowi, and Plasmodium vivax-like parasites. In addition, younger animals were significantly more infected and exhibited higher parasitemia levels, especially those with triple infections involving P. vivax-like. Profiling of 15 hematological markers and 8 cytok

SUBMITTER: Nowakowski A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12637481 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature