Genome sequences reveal divergence times of malaria parasite lineages

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Abstract
SUMMARY: Objective: The evolutionary history of human malaria parasites (genusPlasmodium) has long been a subject of speculation and controversy. The complete genome sequences of the two most widespread human malaria parasites,P. falciparumandP. vivax, and of the monkey parasiteP. knowlesiare now available, together with the draft genomes of the chimpanzee parasiteP. reichenowi, three rodent parasites,P. yoelii yoelli, P. bergheiandP. chabaudi chabaudi, and one avian parasite,P. gallinaceum.Methods: We present here an analysis of 45 orthologous gene sequences across the eight species that resolves the relationships of majorPlasmodiumlineages, and provides the first comprehensive dating of the age of those groups.Results: Our analyses support the hypothesis that the last common ancestor ofP. falciparumand the chimpanzee parasiteP. reichenowioccurred around the time of the human-chimpanzee divergence.P. falciparuminfections of African apes are most likely derived from humans and not the other way around. On the other hand,P. vivax, split from the monkey parasiteP. knowlesiin the much more distant past, during the time that encompasses the separation of the Great Apes and Old World Monkeys.Conclusion: The results support an ancient association between malaria parasites and their primate hosts, including humans.