About this Research Topic
Since the regenerated call for malaria elimination by WHO in 2016, 12 countries endemic for Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax have been declared malaria free. Whilst acute P. vivax infection may have been considered benign historically, evidence suggest a significant impact on morbidity and mortality especially among children and pregnant women living outside Africa.
P. vivax is more difficult to eliminate than P. falciparum due to the hypnozoite stage whereby quiescent parasites in the liver evade schizonticidal treatments and diagnosis, in the absence of clinical disease. An 8-aminoquinoline must be given to prevent relapses that arise from the hypnozoites. Interactions between 8-aminquinolines, G6PD deficiency and CYP2D6 polymorphisms further complicate how 8-aminoquinolines can best be utilised to achieve malaria elimination.
There are no diagnostic tests to identify individuals harbouring dormant hypnozoites. Therefore, these individuals are a hidden source of transmission. Moreover, during P. vivax infection gametocytes emerge from the bone marrow at early stages allowing transmission before the onset of clinical symptoms, and decrease the impact of early diagnosis and treatment. In some endemic areas, asymptomatic P. vivax infections may reach 50% prevalence, contributing further to transmission.
The biologic differences between P. vivax and P. falciparum demonstrate that different approaches are needed to understand the P. vivax parasite to improve clinical management and treatment, and ultimately achieve its elimination.
Globally, the incidence of malaria cases has been stable since 2020, although reductions in P. vivax case incidence continue in parts of Asia, Southeast Asia and the Americas. To sustain gains towards malaria elimination, the malaria community must build on existing collaborations and successful approaches, enhance the understanding of P. vivax biology and disease pathogenesis and develop and implement new diagnostics and therapeutics.
In this Research Topic, we aim to compile the latest findings on the diverse aspects of P. vivax malaria and how they translate to support malaria elimination. We encourage authors to submit manuscripts focused on the following themes, but not limited to:
• Genetics and biology
• Disease models (i. e. murine, cultures, organoids, etc)
• Host-pathogen interactions (in humans and mosquitos)
• Hidden reservoirs (i. e. bone marrow, liver, and spleen) and hypnozoite biology
• Pathogenesis and clinical studies
• Diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines
• Epidemiology
• Policy
Authors are welcomed to submit their work in the following article formats: 1) Original Research; 2) Methods; 3) Perspective, Opinion, Hypothesis and Theories; 4) Brief Reports; and 4) Regular, Systematic, and Mini Reviews.
P. vivax is more difficult to eliminate than P. falciparum due to the hypnozoite stage whereby quiescent parasites in the liver evade schizonticidal treatments and diagnosis, in the absence of clinical disease. An 8-aminoquinoline must be given to prevent relapses that arise from the hypnozoites. Interactions between 8-aminquinolines, G6PD deficiency and CYP2D6 polymorphisms further complicate how 8-aminoquinolines can best be utilised to achieve malaria elimination.
There are no diagnostic tests to identify individuals harbouring dormant hypnozoites. Therefore, these individuals are a hidden source of transmission. Moreover, during P. vivax infection gametocytes emerge from the bone marrow at early stages allowing transmission before the onset of clinical symptoms, and decrease the impact of early diagnosis and treatment. In some endemic areas, asymptomatic P. vivax infections may reach 50% prevalence, contributing further to transmission.
The biologic differences between P. vivax and P. falciparum demonstrate that different approaches are needed to understand the P. vivax parasite to improve clinical management and treatment, and ultimately achieve its elimination.
Globally, the incidence of malaria cases has been stable since 2020, although reductions in P. vivax case incidence continue in parts of Asia, Southeast Asia and the Americas. To sustain gains towards malaria elimination, the malaria community must build on existing collaborations and successful approaches, enhance the understanding of P. vivax biology and disease pathogenesis and develop and implement new diagnostics and therapeutics.
In this Research Topic, we aim to compile the latest findings on the diverse aspects of P. vivax malaria and how they translate to support malaria elimination. We encourage authors to submit manuscripts focused on the following themes, but not limited to:
• Genetics and biology
• Disease models (i. e. murine, cultures, organoids, etc)
• Host-pathogen interactions (in humans and mosquitos)
• Hidden reservoirs (i. e. bone marrow, liver, and spleen) and hypnozoite biology
• Pathogenesis and clinical studies
• Diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines
• Epidemiology
• Policy
Authors are welcomed to submit their work in the following article formats: 1) Original Research; 2) Methods; 3) Perspective, Opinion, Hypothesis and Theories; 4) Brief Reports; and 4) Regular, Systematic, and Mini Reviews.
Keywords: malaria, plasmodium vivax, epidemiology, malaria elimination, parasite, disease pathogenesis
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