Characterization of the metacaspase 1 gene in Plasmodium vivax field isolates from southern Iran and Italian imported cases

► We have characterized the P. vivax metacaspase 1 gene in 63 vivax isolates. ► We have firstly identified size polymorphism in P. vivax metacaspase 1. ► Four different allelic sizes were found, resulting from the insertion of 1 to 4 tandem repeat regions. ► PvMCA1 genotyping is comparable to PvMSP1 genotyping at least in areas characterized by low malaria endemicity.