Malaria, a disease that has plagued humans for thousands of years, has left few traces in the archaeological record due to its lack of impact on skeletal remains. However, recent discoveries of ancient DNA from human skeletons have begun to shed light on the history and spread of this ancient scourge.
Researchers from various institutions, including Harvard University and the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, have identified cases of malaria dating back to 5600 years ago in Nepal and around 1600 C.E. in South America. These findings suggest that malaria was not limited to tropical areas as previously believed.
The earliest known case of malaria in South America was found at Laguna de los Cóndores, Peru, and is believed to have been introduced by European colonizers around 1600 C.E. In contrast, the trans-Atlantic slave trade is thought to have brought P. falciparum into the Americas.
Unexpectedly, malaria DNA was also found in a man who lived 2800 years ago in Nepal, at a high altitude and mosquito-free area. This discovery raises questions about how the disease spread across continents and highlights the importance of long-distance trade and human mobility.
The study, which was published in Nature, used ancient DNA extracted from human skeletons to identify malaria parasites. The researchers found both P. vivax and P. falciparum strains in ancient remains, confirming that malaria was not restricted to tropical areas as previously believed.
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The disease can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, chills, and muscle pain. In severe cases, it can lead to organ failure and death.
Despite advances in medical research and the availability of effective treatments for malaria, it remains a significant global health issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were an estimated 241 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2019, resulting in approximately 627,000 deaths.
The discovery of ancient DNA from human skeletons has provided valuable insights into the history and spread of malaria. However, it is important to note that these findings should be interpreted with caution and that further research is needed to fully understand the complex history of this ancient disease.
