Plasmodium vivax: Pathogenesis, Epidemiology, and Elimination

Plasmodium vivax is under the spotlight since elimination programs have diminished falciparum malaria substantially while increasing the proportion of vivax-related cases. Vivax malaria was considered benign, yet evidence suggests a significant impact on morbidity and mortality especially among children and pregnant women living outside Africa. Unfortunately, elimination strategies deployed against P. falciparum are inefficient against P. vivax due to important biological differences between parasites. P. vivax infections are characterized by low parasitemias, allowing its rapid transmission even before the onset of symptoms and potential treatment. Besides, infected individuals harbouring dormant hypnozoites are impossible to diagnose, therefore representing a hidden and long-lasting source of transmittable parasites. Antimalarials for these silent carriers are dangerous to those who have reduced G6PD activity and inefficient in the presence of certain CYP2D6 polymorphisms, precluding mass drug administration. So far, reliable diagnostics for these carriers are unavailable or too complex to be implemented in the field.

A tailored toolbox is required to tackle P. vivax, which is considered by many as "the last parasite standing" in the fight against malaria. Basic and translational research need to come together to uncover unknown aspects of P. vivax biology, disease pathogenesis and transmission, while considering the development of diagnostics and therapeutics that can help us to fulfil the overarching goal of eradicating malaria forever. Understanding P. vivax biology and disease pathogenesis requires reliable models that can recapitulate parasite development inside the host. Unravelling the molecular basis of the disease will consequently reveal new parasite targets that can be druggable or even vaccinable, ultimately reducing disease burden and transmission.

In this Research Topic, we aim to compile the latest and most transformative findings on the biology, pathogenesis, and epidemiology of P. vivax malaria. We encourage authors to submit manuscripts on the most diverse aspects of the disease including:

• Plasmodium vivax genetics and biology

• Host-pathogen interactions (in humans and mosquitos)

• Hidden reservoirs (i. e. bone marrow, liver, and spleen) and hypnozoite biology

• Pathogenesis and clinical studies

• Disease models (i. e. murine, cultures, organoids, etc)

• Diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines

• Epidemiology and elimination

We welcome authors 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

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.