Genotyping of paired clinical isolates using PvCSP, PvMSP3α PvMSP3βand exploring STRs to differentiate between relapse and reinfection in P. vivax

The challenge of eliminating Vivax malaria is due to the relapses caused by hypnozoites. Despite several attempts to identify molecular markers to differentiate between relapse and new infection, a reliable marker has not yet been established. To address this issue, a genomic study was conducted on paired samples of patients who had experienced Plasmodium vivax infection twice. Genotyping was performed on paired samples from 10 vivax malaria patients using five molecular markers to distinguish between relapse and new infection. Our findings indicate that one sample represented a second episode that was a relapse of the first, while another sample had three episodes, two of which were relapse episodes. We combined our clinical records with molecular inferences to identify each pair as a relapse. This particular study provides a momentary view of forthcoming research endeavors that could be undertaken to distinguish between a relapse and a novel infection. Given the notable genetic variability of Plasmodium vivax, it is crucial to harness various markers to discern between relapse and new infection. The findings of this study are poised to be of immense utility for upcoming marker research in the aforesaid aspect.