Man inherited Malaria from chimpanzees

Scientists say they have genetic proof malaria spread by mosquitoes jumped species from chimpanzees to humans. By looking at blood samples, a US team discovered all world strains of the human malaria parasite falciparum stem from a malaria parasite in chimps. They tell Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences how the species shift probably happened 10,000 years ago when humans turned to agriculture. Man's encroachment upon the natural forest habitat of chimps is blamed. It brought the two species into close contact and the deforestation created pools of stagnant water and other conditions favorable for mosquito breeding.