| Abstrak/Abstract |
The Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes cause malaria in
humans. Despite extensive research on the malaria parasite in ungulates, its occurrence in goats in Indonesia,
particularly in the Kaligesing and Girimulyo border areas, has yet to be reported. This study aimed to investigate
the presence of malaria parasites in goats from these regions. We collected 81 blood samples from goats of
different ages and sexes. Blood samples were drawn from the jugular vein and preserved using EDTA tubes. We
evaluated the overall clinical status of the goats by monitoring their rectal temperature and capillary refill time
(CRT). Microscopic analysis was carried out by observing blood smears under a microscope, but the Plasmodium
parasite was not detected. Next, we employed a molecular method to detect Plasmodium DNA using a nested
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method that targeted the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The
results confirmed the presence of Plasmodium DNA in 5 out of the 81 samples tested. The obtained data were
analyzed descriptively, and Wilson’s confidence interval method was used to calculate confidence limits for the
sample proportions. This study provides the first molecular detection of previously undocumented malaria
parasites in goats within the Girimulyo region of Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Identifying Plasmodium sp.
using molecular techniques highlights the need for continued surveillance and management strategies to prevent
the spread of malaria in animals and humans. |
