Recent studies have revealed a remarkable molecular diversity of Plasmodium parasites in great apes in Africa, as well as parasite exchange events between these primates and humans. We review the different points of view proposed on the origin of human malaria, and discuss ape Plasmodium parasites as a source of human outbreaks.
© 2012 The Authors. Clinical Microbiology and Infection © 2012 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.