Plasmodium knowlesi as a genetic model for Plasmodium vivax drug resistance

Two different Plasmodium parasites cause the majority of malaria worldwide. However, one type, P. vivax, is unable to be cultured in the laboratory and therefore has been poorly studied. Drug resistance has been observed but the underlying causes are poorly understood. We propose to use a closely related parasite, P. knowlesi, as a model to understand drug resistance mechanisms. This knowledge will be used to follow resistance in the field and direct policy of the most appropriate treatment.