Theoretical origin of genetically homologous Plasmodium vivax malarial recurrences

Abstract

Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax is being diagnosed with increasing frequency in Africa. Some southern countries where it has been detected are Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Knowing the parasite origin of P. vivax infection recurrences (which can be reinfections, recrudescences or relapses) is important epidemiologically for malaria elimination in Africa. Although hypnozoites will no doubt be a source, we should try to determine how frequently the origin of non-reinfection recurrences of P. vivax malaria involving closely related parasites may be non-circulating merozoites rather than hypnozoites.