Bringing to light unnoticed data on the genetic and host diversity of ungulate Plasmodium

The genus <i>Plasmodium</i>, best known for causing malaria in humans, also infects a diverse array of vertebrates, including ungulates. Despite the first report of <i>Plasmodium</i> in ungulates dating back to 1913, research on these parasites has remained scarce, largely overshadowed by studies on primate, avian, and rodent <i>Plasmodium</i>. A century later, in 2016, three independent publications renewed interest by reporting the first genetic sequences of ungulate <i>Plasmodium</i> from different host species and continents. Since then, several studies have explored their genetic diversity across various host species and geographic regions. Among these, two studies investigated <i>Plasmodium</i> in African forest and savanna ungulates, identifying several new host species, particularly within the genera <i>Tragelaphus</i>, <i>Syncerus</i>, and <i>Cephalophus</i>. However, these findings remained largely unnoticed by the <i>Plasmodium</i> research community, as the primary focus of the publications was on xenosurveillance (the use of hematophagous flies and their blood meals to detect pathogens) rather than malaria parasites <i>per se</i>. Here, we reanalyze these overlooked data to clarify the evolutionary relationships of ungulate <i>Plasmodium</i>. Phylogenetic analyses confirm that these parasites form a monophyletic group, distinct from <i>Plasmodium</i> infecting primates, rodents, and bats. Within this group, two main clades were identified, encompassing parasites from various ungulate hosts. While <i>Cephalophus</i> parasites cluster with previously described sequences, those from <i>Tragelaphus</i> and <i>Syncerus</i> form distinct lineages, likely representing novel species. Expanding knowledge of ungulate <i>Plasmodium</i>, particularly in under-explored regions and host species, is crucial for understanding the evolution and diversity of these parasites.