The high levels of antigenic polymorphism found in most P. vivax parasites indicate the development of sophisticated evasion of the human immune system [8]. Detailed knowledge of this genetic variation and comparisons of inter-and intra-speciesspecific levels of gene variation will both resolve epidemiological questions about parasite origin and provide tools with which to design an effective vaccine. Polymorphic repetitive sequences,
Genetic Characteristics of Polymorphic Antigenic Markers among Korean Isolates of Plasmodium vivaxKorean J Parasitol. Vol. 47, Supplement: S51-S58, October 2009 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2009 Abstract: Plasmodium vivax, a protozoan malaria parasite of humans, represents a major public health concern in the Republic of Korea (= South Korea). However, little is known about the genetic properties and population structures of the P. vivax isolates circulating in South Korea. This article reviews known polymorphic genetic markers in South Korean isolates of P. vivax and briefly summarizes the current issues surrounding the gene and population structures of this parasite. The critical genetic characteristics of major antigens of the parasite, such as circumsporozoite protein (CSP), merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP-1) and MSP-3, Duffy binding protein (DBP), apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA-1), and GAM-1, are also discussed.