Figure 2

Summary of statistically validated P. vivax MS for usage in population diversity and MOI studies. MS diversity indices (mean number of alleles per locus, expected heterozygosity, and maximum repeat length) were correlated with six microsatellite and population parameters (endemicity, motif length, repeat length, repeat type and genomic position) to identify MS with excess, reduced or balanced diversity in comparison with the mean. Balanced in both API categories (API >0.05 or API ≤0.05) is indicated in green. Excess or reduced in API >0.05, API ≤0.05 or both is indicated in white, black and gray, respectively. Based on this data, MS were categorized into four recommended groups: 1° Panel, 2° Panel, Exclude, and MOI. “1° Panel” indicates balanced diversity in all six test categories and usage as the primary panel of markers for measuring population diversity. “2° Panel” indicates markers with significant excess or reduction of diversity in one of six test categories. These markers should be used cautiously, as they may misrepresent the diversity level due to inherent unbalanced mutability. “Exclude” indicates markers with significant reduction in diversity in more than one of the six test categories. These markers are not recommended, as they consistently result in a misrepresentation of population diversity due to reduced polymorphic potential. “MOI” (multiplicity of infection) indicates MS markers that consistently have significant excess diversity in more than one test category. MOI markers are ideal for identifying multiclonal infections. For chromosomes with more than one MS marker tested, priority has been assigned (A-D). Priority is based on the total number of studies that have utilized the marker, with a higher priority being placed on markers that have been used more frequently. Bold font indicates markers of highest priority.