Maria Esther Araujo

Dr. Maria Esther Araujo


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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21 July 2025 in Parasitologia
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
KJKevin Gabriel Euceda Jiménez
Kevin Gabriel Euceda Jiménez
GMGabriela Matamoros
Gabriela Matamoros
MAMaria Esther Araujo
Maria Esther Araujo
LCLesly Chaver
Lesly Chaver
GAGloria Ardón
Gloria Ardón
Gustavo FontechaGustavo Fontecha
Gustavo Fontecha
Plasmodium vivax malaria continues to pose a significant and enduring public health challenge across the Americas. Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs), which target gametocyte surface antigens such as Pvs47 and Pvs48/45, are being investigated as promising tools to interrupt transmission and advance toward disease elimination. To investigate the genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure of the pvs47 and pvs48/45 genes in P. vivax, we conducted molecular analyses on samples collected from seven malaria-endemic regions of Honduras using PCR-based sequencing, population genetics, and phylogenetic approaches. This study presents the first complete characterization of the pvs47 gene and expands the available data on pvs48/45 in P. vivax from Honduras. We observed a low level of genetic diversity with no evidence of geographic structuring within the country. At a global scale, Honduran sequences shared variants with other Latin American strains and exhibited region-specific amino acid signatures. These findings suggest that local selective pressures, possibly driven by mosquito vector compatibility, are shaping the evolution of these TBV candidate genes. Our results underscore the importance of regional surveillance to inform the development and deployment of effective transmission-blocking strategies.