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Disease Profile

Parasitic

Plasmodium vivax malaria

间日疟

Plasmodium vivax malaria is a protozoal parasitic infection caused by the Plasmodium vivax parasite, representing the most frequent and widely distributed cause of recurring malaria globally. While historically characterized as less virulent than Plasmodium falciparum, infections can result in severe disease and mortality, frequently associated with splenomegaly. The parasite is transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, establishing a significant public health burden in endemic regions.

Definition

Plasmodium vivax malaria is a human infectious disease caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium vivax. This organism is a protozoal parasite and human pathogen that induces characteristic febrile paroxysms at 48-hour intervals. It represents the most frequent and widely distributed cause of recurring malaria among the five human malaria parasites.

Clinical features

Clinical manifestations of P. vivax malaria include recurring febrile paroxysms occurring at approximately 48-hour intervals. Although considered less virulent than Plasmodium falciparum, infections can lead to severe disease and death, with splenomegaly identified as a frequent complication. The recurrent nature of the infection distinguishes it from some other malaria species.

Epidemiology

Plasmodium vivax is the most frequent and widely distributed cause of recurring malaria globally. It is one of five human malaria parasites, with P. falciparum being recognized as the deadliest species. Source-backed detail regarding specific geographic distribution patterns, outbreak contexts, or reservoir ecology is not yet available from the provided sources.

Transmission

Transmission of Plasmodium vivax occurs through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Male Anopheles mosquitoes do not participate in transmission as they do not blood-feed. This vector-borne transmission mechanism is shared with other human malaria species.

Risk groups

Source-backed detail regarding specific high-risk groups for severe Plasmodium vivax malaria is not yet available from the provided sources. The parasite's widespread distribution suggests broad population exposure in endemic areas, but demographic or immunological risk factors cannot be characterized from current evidence.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for Plasmodium vivax malaria center on avoiding mosquito bites, consistent with general malaria prevention approaches. Source-backed detail regarding specific pharmacological prophylaxis, vaccines, or other public health interventions is not yet available from the provided sources.

Surveillance note

Surveillance for Plasmodium vivax malaria should account for its characteristic 48-hour fever cycle and potential for severe outcomes including splenomegaly. Given its status as the most frequent cause of recurring malaria globally, monitoring for relapse patterns and geographic distribution is epidemiologically relevant. Source-backed detail regarding specific surveillance methodologies or reporting criteria is not yet available.

Coding Register
ICD-10
B51
ICD-11
1F40
Key Statistics
Total cases
0
Peak month
Coverage
0 reporting countries · —

Dataset Archive

Supplementary Data | Multi-country disease dataset

Machine-readable multi-country disease dataset (JSON/CSV) with source metadata.

Rows
0
Data Version
2026-05-09
Coverage
Included metadata
Source links, scope, cadence
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