The genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax--a review.
The genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax has been investigated in several malaria-endemic areas, including the Brazilian Amazon region, where this is currently the most prevalent species causing malaria in humans. This review summarizes current views on the use of molecular markers to examine P. vivax populations, with a focus on studies performed in Brazilian research laboratories. We emphasize the importance of phylogenetic studies on this parasite and discuss the perspectives created by our increasing understanding of genetic diversity and population structure of this parasite for the development of new control strategies, including vaccines, and more effective drugs for the treatment of P. vivax malaria.
de Souza-Neiras
Wanessa Christina
WC
Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Súo José do Rio Preto, SP, Brasil. wanejan@yahoo.com.br
de Melo
Luciane Moreno Storti
LM
Machado
Ricardo Luiz Dantas
RL
D000818:Animals; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan / Q000235:genetics; D001938:Brazil; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005819:Genetic Markers / Q000235:genetics; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D016780:Malaria, Vivax / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010802:Phylogeny; D010966:Plasmodium vivax / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000235:genetics
D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D005819:Genetic Markers; D015800:Protozoan Proteins