The Possible Time and Region of Host Switches of Ancient Malaria Parasites with Reference to the Pliocene–Quaternary Archaeological Sites in Africa

Abstract About 96% of all malaria deaths occur in Africa, and the malignant falciparum also originated on continent. Although only appeared Holocene period, it can be hypothesized that transfer parasites from other primates to humans occurred several times history parallel human evolution. This study develops model examines possible coexistence potential original host apes, ancestors, diverse anopheline mosquito species; how, where, when switch these great apes occurred. Based Pliocene-early Pleistocene archaeological sites, was found certain early hominin populations could have lived areas where fauna moderately diverse. The people Lupemban Culture, as well Greenlandian Northgrippian East West-Central close high diversity territories such Gorilla gorrilla . African mid-Holocene cultures likely came contact with gorilla — hosts Plasmodium along coasts Gulf Guinea Rift Valley during their migration southern Africa. ancestor parasite regions.