Abstract
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites which are transmitted by mosquitoes. Until recently, human malaria was considered to be caused by human-specific Plasmodium species. Studies on Plasmodium parasites in non-human primates (NHPs), however, have identified parasite species in gorillas and chimpanzees that are closely related to human Plasmodium species. Moreover, P. knowlesi, long known as a parasite of monkeys, frequently infects humans. The requirements for such a cross-species exchange and especially the role of mosquitoes in this process are discussed, as the latter may act as bridge vectors of Plasmodium species between different primates. Little is known about the mosquito species that would bite both humans and NHPs and if so, whether humans and NHPs share the same Plasmodium vectors. To understand the vector-host interactions that can lead to an increased Plasmodium transmission between species, studies are required that reveal the nature of these interactions. Studying the potential role of NHPs as a Plasmodium reservoir for humans will contribute to the ongoing efforts of human malaria elimination, and will help to focus on critical areas that should be considered in achieving this goal.
Highlights
NON-HUMAN PRIMATE PLASMODIUM PREVALENCE Non-human primates (NHPs) often serve as reservoir of pathogens of human diseases
In several reviews on this topic the potential risk of a parasite exchange between NHPs and humans has been identified (Kevin, 2009; Rayner et al, 2011; Duval and Ariey, 2012). The authors of these studies suggest that: (a) Humans living near wildape communities should be tested for zoonotic infections using molecular approaches capable of differentiating between human and zoonotic parasites, (b) Wild NHPs should be screened for P. vivax, P. malariae, and P. ovale, because the evidence for crosstransmission is the strongest for these Plasmodium species, and (c)
In 2007 the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, followed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership declared that the paradigm of malaria control and elimination has been extended to encompass an ultimate goal of malaria eradication (Roberts and Enserink, 2007; Roll Back Malaria Partnership, 2008; Alonso et al, 2011)
Summary
NON-HUMAN PRIMATE PLASMODIUM PREVALENCE Non-human primates (NHPs) often serve as reservoir of pathogens of human diseases. P. knowlesi, long known as a parasite of monkeys, frequently infects humans.The requirements for such a cross-species exchange and especially the role of mosquitoes in this process are discussed, as the latter may act as bridge vectors of Plasmodium species between different primates.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
