## Malaria Epidemiology in India — P. vivax Dominance **Key Point:** In India, Plasmodium vivax has emerged as the predominant malaria parasite, accounting for 60–70% of confirmed malaria cases in recent years, reversing the historical pattern of P. falciparum dominance. **High-Yield:** Epidemiological shift in India: - **Pre-2000s:** P. falciparum was more prevalent in certain regions - **2010s onwards:** P. vivax became the leading cause nationally - **Current status:** P. vivax accounts for ~60–70% of confirmed cases; P. falciparum ~25–30%; P. malariae and P. ovale <5% **Clinical Pearl:** This shift has important clinical implications: 1. P. vivax causes relapsing malaria due to hypnozoites in the liver 2. Requires both blood schizonticide (chloroquine/artemisinin) AND hypnozoiticide (primaquine) 3. P. vivax can infect individuals with G6PD deficiency, complicating primaquine use **Mnemonic:** **VIF** = Vivax Is First (in India currently) | Parasite | % in India | Severity | Relapse | Geographic Focus | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | P. vivax | 60–70% | Moderate | Yes | Pan-India | | P. falciparum | 25–30% | Severe | No | Central, Eastern India | | P. malariae | <5% | Mild | No | Focal areas | | P. ovale | <1% | Mild–moderate | Yes | Rare | **Warning:** Do not confuse global epidemiology (P. falciparum dominates in Africa) with India-specific epidemiology (P. vivax dominates). [cite:Park 26e Ch 8]
Sign up free to access AI-powered MCQ practice with detailed explanations and adaptive learning.