An array of microhaplotypes - small segments of ≤200 nucleotides with heterozygous multiple-SNP exhibiting multiple allelic combinations - were identified in the Plasmodium vivax genome by Siegel et al. Interestingly, the microhaplotype has significant potential to distinguish relapse/reinfection and identify genetic relatedness across vivax-endemic areas. It is essential to validate the universal applicability of microhaplotypes.
Keywords: Plasmodium vivax; genetic complexity; identity-by-descent; lineage; microhaplotype; relapse.
Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.