Genetic relatedness of Cambodian <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> isolates is driven by geography and occupation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cambodia is nearing Plasmodium falciparum elimination, but targeted interventions are needed to prevent resurgence. Identity-by-descent (IBD)-based methods offer insight into parasite relatedness and transmission dynamics.

Methods

We estimated pairwise genetic relatedness between 107 P. falciparum isolates collected from military personnel and farmers in Cambodia between 2014 and 2016. All isolates underwent whole genome sequencing. Relatedness was defined as the proportion of the genome shared IBD between isolates. We evaluated associations between relatedness and epidemiologic factors, including occupation, location, time, age, and sex. Infomap community detection was used to identify clusters of highly related parasites and their association with

SUBMITTER: Rowley E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12889777 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature