Malaria in Chimpanzees
Researchers of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary
Anthropology and the Robert Koch-Institute did a study on malaria and age
distribution of a group of wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).
As humans age, their protective immunity increases. With
malaria, the prevalence in the human body decreases with age; along with
morbidity and mortality.
The chimps involved in the study ranged in ages 3-47 years. Researchers analyzed faecal samples. They found that almost every animal was found
positive at least once. During the entire study, this means that at least one
animal of this group was infected at every point the entire study.
Gender was not a factor; however analyses showed malaria
parasites were found most often in younger animals. This indicates the same
trend of acquired immunity as in humans. It is difficult to conclude that
malaria in young chimps causes high mortality, because their bodies are rarely
accessible. The study can conclude that there is continuous exposure to these
chimps, therefore development of a resistance to infection.
To read the complete study, see the article referenced
below.
Reference:
H. M. De Nys, S. Calvignac-Spencer, U. Thiesen, C. Boesch,
R. M. Wittig, R. Mundry, F. H. Leendertz. Age-related effects on malaria parasite
infection in wild chimpanzees. Biology Letters, 2013; 9 (4): 20121160 DOI:
10.1098/rsbl.2012.1160
Science daily, 2013. Malaria Protection in Chimpanzees .
Online. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130529092722.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_environment+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+News+--+Top+Environment%29
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