<i>Plasmodium ovale wallikeri</i> and <i>P. ovale curtisi</i> Infections and Diagnostic Approaches to Imported Malaria, France, 2013–2018
Valentin Joste, Justine Bailly, Véronique Hubert, Cécile Pauc, Mathieu Gendrot, Émilie Guillochon, Marylin Madamet, Marc Théllier, Éric Kendjo, Nicolas Argy, Bruno Pradines, Sandrine Houzé
Abstract
We retrospectively analyzed epidemiologic, clinical, and biologic characteristics of 368 Plasmodium ovale wallikeri and 309 P. ovale curtisi infections treated in France during January 2013–December 2018. P. ovale wallikeri infections displayed deeper thrombocytopenia and shorter latency periods. Despite similar clinical manifestations, P. ovale wallikeri–infected patients were more frequently treated with artemisinin-based combination therapy. Although the difference was not statistically significant, P. ovale wallikeri–infected patients were 5 times more frequently hospitalized in intensive care or intermediate care and had a higher proportion of severe thrombocytopenia than P. ovale curtisi–infected patients. Rapid diagnostic tests that detect aldolase were more efficient than those detecting Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase. Sequence analysis of the potra gene from 90 P. ovale isolates reveals an insufficient polymorphism for relapse typing.