[Characterization of Plasmodium vivax genotypes on the Island of São Luís, State of Maranhão].

This study was developed with the aim of characterizing Plasmodium vivax circumsporozoite protein genotypes on the Island of São Luís, Maranhão. Blood samples were taken for direct parasitological examination (thick blood film) from 126 individuals. Among these individuals, 109 samples were also taken for molecular diagnosis by means of the polymerase chain reaction. The parasitological examination showed the presence of Plasmodium vivax in two symptomatic individuals, while the molecular study was positive for Plasmodium vivax in seven individuals (two symptomatic and positive from the thick blood film and five asymptomatic and negative from the thick blood film). Two samples showed an association with Plasmodium falciparum. Genotyping of the Plasmodium vivax samples showed that the VK 210 variant was present. This was associated with the VK 247 variant in two samples.