High genetic polymorphism of relapsing P. vivax isolates in northwest Colombia

► Microsatellite markers were used to genotype P. vivax in of Colombia. ► A total 54 haplotypes in 58 paired (primary-recurrence/relapse) samples were found. ► Polymorphism in samples from endemic area was high. ► Relapsing and primary isolates had a different genetic conformation. ► The selected markers are useful to study P. vivax populations in the country.