Bringing to light unnoticed data on the genetic and host diversity of ungulate Plasmodium

The genus Plasmodium, best known for causing malaria in humans, also infects a diverse array of vertebrates, including ungulates. Despite the first report of Plasmodium in ungulates dating back to 1913, research on these parasites has remained scarce, largely overshadowed by studies on primate, avian, and rodent Plasmodium. A century later, in 2016, three independent publications renewed interest by reporting the first genetic sequences of ungulate Plasmodium from different host species and continents. Since then, several studies have explored their genetic diversity across various host species and geographic regions. Among these, two studies investigated Plasmodium in African forest and savanna ungulates, identifying several new host species, particularly within the genera Tragelaphus, Syncerus, and Cephalophus. However, these findings remained largely unnoticed by the Plasmodium research community, as the primary focus of the publications was on xenosurveillance (the use of hematophagous flies and their blood meals to detect pathogens) rather than malaria parasites per se. Here, we reanalyze these overlooked data to clarify the evolutionary relationships of ungulate Plasmodium. Phylogenetic analyses confirm that these parasites form a monophyletic group, distinct from Plasmodium infecting primates, rodents, and bats. Within this group, two main clades were identified, encompassing parasites from various ungulate hosts. While Cephalophus parasites cluster with previously described sequences, those from Tragelaphus and Syncerus form distinct lineages, likely representing novel species. Expanding knowledge of ungulate Plasmodium, particularly in under-explored regions and host species, is crucial for understanding the evolution and diversity of these parasites.