Measurably recombining malaria parasites

Genomic epidemiology has guided research and policy for various viral patho-gens and there has been a parallel effort towards using genomic epidemiology to combat diseases that are caused by eukaryotic pathogens, such as the ma-laria parasite. However, the central concept of viral genomic epidemiology, namely that of measurably mutating pathogens, does not apply easily to sexually recombining parasites. Here we introduce the related but different concept of measurably recombining malaria parasites to promote convergence around a unifying theoretical framework for malaria genomic epidemiology. Akin to viral phylodynamics, we anticipate that an inferential framework developed around recombination will help guide practical research and thus realize the full public health potential of genomic epidemiology for malaria parasites and other sexu-ally recombining pathogens.

Automated summary

Genomic epidemiology has been a valuable tool for studying viral pathogens and malaria parasites, but the concept of measurably mutating pathogens does not easily apply to sexually recombining parasites. This article introduces the concept of measurably recombining malaria parasites and proposes the development of an inferential framework around recombination to guide practical research in malaria genomic epidemiology. The goal is to fully utilize the potential of genomic epidemiology for sexually recombining pathogens.