biostudies-literatureUnknown21(1)Lefebvre MJMPlasmodium vivax is the predominant malaria parasite in Latin America. Its colonization history in the region is rich and complex, and is still highly debated, especially about its origin(s). Our study employed cutting-edge population genomic techniques to analyze whole genome variation from 620 P. vivax isolates, including 107 newly sequenced samples from West Africa, Middle East, and Latin America. This sampling represents nearly all potential source populations worldwide currently available. Analyses of the genetic structure, diversity, ancestry, coalescent-based inferences, including demographic scenario testing using Approximate Bayesian Computation, have revealed a more complex evolutionary history than previously envisioned. Indeed, our analyses suggest that the current American P. PLoS pathogense1012811https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11761655biostudies-literatureGenomic exploration of the journey of Plasmodium vivax in Latin America.PMC11761655Rougeron VSaenz FEPradines BTrape JFSeverini CBerry AFontecha GAPrugnolle FDegrugillier FNoya OHouze SArnathau CLefebvre MJMFontaine MCfalseGenomic exploration of the journey of Plasmodium vivax in Latin America.Plasmodium vivax is the predominant malaria parasite in Latin America. Its colonization history in the region is rich and complex, and is still highly debated, especially about its origin(s). Our study employed cutting-edge population genomic techniques to analyze whole genome variation from 620 P. vivax isolates, including 107 newly sequenced samples from West Africa, Middle East, and Latin America. This sampling represents nearly all potential source populations worldwide currently available. Analyses of the genetic structure, diversity, ancestry, coalescent-based inferences, including demographic scenario testing using Approximate Bayesian Computation, have revealed a more complex evolutionary history than previously envisioned. Indeed, our analyses suggest that the current American P. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Jan2025-04-04T22:08:17.189Z2025-04-04T22:08:17.189ZS-EPMC117616553980493110.1371/journal.ppat.1012811