The Species of Simian Malaria: Taxonomy, Morphology, Life Cycle, and Geographical Distribution of the Monkey Species

The species of monkey malaria are discussed on a regional basis since none, so far as is known, has a cosmopolitan distribution. Present knowledge includes two species from Africa (Plasmodium gonderi and P. girardi), two from the New World (P. brasilianum and P. simium), and five from the Orient (P. inui, P. cynomolgi, P. knowlesi, P. fieldi, and P. coatneyi). Each is considered from the standpoint of taxonomy, morphology, life cycle, and geographical distribution. A key for the identification of species is included. The intensified work of the past few years on monkey malaria in the field has resulted in accumulation of a great deal of new information on the species of monkey malaria and the distribution of these species both geographically and by hosts. It is now known that there are many more recognizable taxonomic entities than were previously believed to exist. Prior to 1958 there were known in Asian monkeys only three definite species. Now there are six or more, and an insight is being gained into subspecific variation. In addition, the work, particularly of the London group but also of others, has led to the description of previously unknown stages of the monkey malaria parasites. As of now, new immunological techniques are being applied to the study of the interrelationships of the monkey malarias, promising further in-