Genetic structure of Plasmodium vivax using the merozoite surface protein 1 icb5-6 fragment reveals new hybrid haplotypes in southern Mexico.

Background: Plasmodium vivax is a protozoan parasite with an extensive worldwide distribution, being highly prevalent in Asia as well as in Mesoamerica and South America. In southern Mexico, P. vivax transmission has been endemic and recent studies suggest that these parasites have unique biological and genetic features.

Plasmodium vivax: impaired escape of Vk210 phenotype ookinetes from the midgut blood bolus of Anopheles pseudopunctipennis.

The site in the midguts of Anopheles pseudopunctipennis where the development of Plasmodium vivax circumsporozoite protein Vk210 phenotype is blocked was investigated, and compared to its development in An. albimanus. Ookinete development was similar in time and numbers within the blood meal bolus of both mosquito species.