STRIDE: a command-line HMM-based identifier and sub-classifier of Plasmodium falciparum RIFIN and STEVOR variant surface antigen families.

Background: RIFINs and STEVORs are variant surface antigens expressed by P. falciparum that play roles in severe malaria pathogenesis and immune evasion. These two highly diverse multigene families feature multiple paralogs, making their classification challenging using traditional bioinformatic methods.