Plasmodium Species in Wild Apes and Their Implications for Human Infection
Author Information
Author(s): Rayner Julian C., Liu Weimin, Peeters Martine, Sharp Paul M., Hahn Beatrice H.
Primary Institution: Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
Hypothesis
Could wild apes be a source of Plasmodium infections in humans?
Conclusion
The study suggests that wild apes harbor multiple Plasmodium species, which may pose a risk for future cross-species transmissions to humans.
Supporting Evidence
- Recent studies have uncovered numerous new Plasmodium species in wild apes.
- Some ape Plasmodium species are closely related to human malaria parasites.
- High prevalence rates of Laverania parasites were found in chimpanzees and western gorillas.
Takeaway
Scientists found many types of malaria parasites in wild apes, which could make people sick if they get infected.
Methodology
The study used non-invasive methods to analyze nearly 3,000 fecal samples from wild apes across Africa.
Limitations
The study's findings are based on fecal samples, which may not capture all infections, and the high frequency of mixed-species infections complicates the analysis.
Participant Demographics
Wild-living apes from multiple sites across Africa.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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