Non-human primate and human malaria: past, present and future

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Zoonotic Diseases
• Primate Health

Background:

• Studies on non-human primate (NHP) malaria parasites enhance understanding of human Plasmodium parasites' origin, biology, and pathogenesis.
• NHP malaria research is critical for assessing the impact on human malaria eradication strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review major discoveries in NHP malaria.
• To highlight the relationship between NHP and human malaria parasites.
• To evaluate the impact of NHP malaria on eradication efforts.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical and molecular findings on NHP malaria.
• Analysis of phylogenetic relationships between NHP and human Plasmodium species.
• Documentation of zoonotic malaria spillovers using molecular techniques.

Main Results:

• NHP malaria parasites have been known since the early 20th century.
• Molecular techniques have revealed numerous Plasmodium species in NHPs and their close relationship to human parasites.
• Confirmed zoonotic malaria spillovers (e.g., Plasmodium knowlesi, P. cynomolgi) in humans underscore the threat to eradication.

Conclusions:

• Molecular research validates concerns about zoonotic malaria hindering eradication.
• One-health approaches are essential for surveillance and research on NHP-mosquito-human interactions.
• Monitoring zoonotic malaria evolution and implementing preventive strategies are vital.