The Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria have a remarkable talent for survival. Through small genetic changes, they can evade the human immune system, develop resistance to antimalarial drugs, and adapt to changes in the Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit the parasites.

 

The MalariaGEN open Plasmodium genetic data resource is the world’s largest data set of curated whole genome sequence data on malaria parasites. Through open data and applications that enable users to analyse and compute data free of charge, this resource provides the reference data needed in the search for new genetic insights on the spread and evolution of Plasmodium parasites to guide malaria control interventions.

We’re building genomic data and tools for investigating genetic variation in Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria to answer crucial questions about malaria transmission and drug resistance.

At a glance


Data

Explore genome variation data on more than 20,000 malaria parasite samples from 30+ countries.

Apps

Use our free apps to analyse and discover new insights from parasite genomic data.

Training

Learn how to access, visualise, and analyse Plasmodium data using our free notebooks and guides.

Collaborations

MalariaGEN data resources are built through a global collaboration among individuals, groups, and institutions.

Amplicon Toolkit

Providing partners with an end-to-end process to establish in-country malaria genomic surveillance.

Research

Browse the latest publications using MalariaGEN genomic data.

Data

Whole genome data releases of malaria parasite samples from across the globe, including sample metadata and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calls.


Pf8

An open dataset of Plasmodium falciparum genome variation in 33,000+ worldwide samples

Pv4

An open dataset of Plasmodium vivax genome variation data

To access the data on the cloud, view terms of use, and browse guides to run your analyses, see the MalariaGEN parasite data user guide.

Go to user guide

These analysis-ready genomic data resources on malaria parasites have been made freely available to everyone to benefit malaria research and public health, subject to access approval and terms of use. Alternatively, data can be downloaded to your own compute resources to run analyses locally.

Apps

Use our free apps to analyse parasite genomic data and discover new insights.


Pf8

An open dataset of P. falciparum genome variation in 33,000+ worldwide samples. View data from 123 locations across 34 countries, summaries of genetic markers of drug resistance, and more.

Pf-HaploAtlas

The Plasmodium falciparum Haplotype Atlas allows anyone with an internet connection to study and track genetic variation in any gene in the P. falciparum genome.

Collaborations

MalariaGEN data resources are built through the collaborative efforts of individuals, groups, and institutions around the world. The Plasmodium resource lists each sample against the partner study that it belongs to, with a description of the scientific aims of the study and the local investigators that led the work.


P. falciparum Community Project

Provides high-quality genotypes linked to a global resource characterising genetic variation in P. falciparum populations.

P. vivax Genome Variation

Aims to understand genome diversity of P. vivax parasites that can remain dormant in the liver for years, making them particularly hard to eliminate using conventional measures.

P. falciparum Genetic Crosses

Generating high-quality data on genome sequence variation and sexual recombination for the parents and progeny of parasite crosses.

Pf3k

An international collaboration using the latest sequencing technologies to provide a high-resolution view of natural variation in P. falciparum parasites.

GenRe-Mekong (Genetic Reconnaissance of Malaria in the Greater Mekong Subregion)

Providing National Malaria Control Programmes and other public health stakeholders in the Greater Mekong Subregion with timely and actionable knowledge to support decision-making relevant to malaria elimination efforts.

Genomic Surveillance Hubs in West Africa (NIHR Global Health Research Group)

Establishing the scientific, technical, and operational infrastructure for regional genomic surveillance hubs in The Gambia and Ghana where P. falciparum samples from countries across the region can be collected, sequenced, and analysed locally.

Pan-African Malaria Genetic Epidemiology Network (PAMGEN)

PAMGEN is researching genetic interactions between malaria parasites, vectors, and human communities across different African environments using the latest genomics science to contribute towards malaria elimination efforts in Africa.

SpotMalaria

SpotMalaria harnesses genomic technologies to monitor the global evolution of malaria parasites, delivering knowledge that will increase the efficiency of malaria elimination and eradication efforts.

Amplicon

Amplicon sequencing is a technique that selectively sequences specific parts of the genome. Find out how we provide partners with an end-to-end process to establish in-country malaria genomic surveillance.

Read more

Pf amlicon toolkit

Research

 MalariaGEN data resources are powering new research into the genomic epidemiology of malaria parasites.


Pf8: An open dataset of Plasmodium falciparum genome variation in 33,325 worldwide samples

Wellcome Open Research 2025;10: 325

DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.24031.1

Selection of Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 mutations in Uganda in comparison with southeast Asia: a modelling study

Cecile P G Meier-Scherling, Oliver J Watson, Victor Asua, Isaac Ghinai, Thomas Katairo, Shreeya Garg, Melissa D Conrad, Prof Philip J Rosenthal, Lucy C Okell, Jeffrey A Bailey

The Lancet Microbe 2025;6;5

DOI: 10.1016/j.lanmic.2024.101027

Detection of novel Plasmodium falciparum haplotypes under treatment pressure in paediatric severe malaria

Balotin Fogang, Emilie Guillochon, Claire Kamaliddin​, Gino Agbota​, Sem Ezinmegnon​, Maroufou Jules Alao​, Philippe Deloron​, Gwladys Bertin and Antoine Claessens

Microbiology Society 2025;11;5

DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001386

PvGAP: Development of a globally-applicable, highly-multiplexed microhaplotype amplicon panel for Plasmodium vivax

Alfred Hubbard, Edwin Solares, Lauren Bradley, Brook Jeang, Delenasaw Yewhalaw, Daniel Janies, Eugenia Lo, Guiyun Yan, Elizabeth Hemming-Schroeder

medRxiv 2025

DOI: 10.1101/2025.04.30.25326751

Pregnant women as a sentinel population for genomic surveillance of malaria in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a population-based study

Marie Onyamboko, Varanya Wasakul, Sarah Benie Bakomba, Daddy Kalala Kayembe, Bejos Kifakiou Nzambiwishe, Pascal Epe Ekombolo, Benjamen Basara Badjanga, Jean-Robert Moke Maindombe, Jephte Ndundu Ngavuka, Brunette Nsunda Lwadi, Eleanor Drury, Cristina Ariani, Sonia Goncalves, Vanapol Chamsukhee, Naomi Waithira, Tess D Verschuuren, Sue J Lee, Olivo Miotto, Caterina Fanello

The Lancet Global Health 2025;13;3

DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00497-2

Globally prevalent Kelch13 mutations increase partial artemisinin resistance and fitness in Bangladeshi Plasmodium falciparum parasites

Maisha Khair Nima, Nirjhar Bhattacharyya, Jungyoon Park, Douglas Shoue, Ching Swe Phru, Saiful Arefeen Sazed, Sudhir Kumar, Mohammad Shafiul Alam, Michael Ferdig, Angana Mukherjee

bioRxiv 2025

DOI: 10.1101/2025.04.25.650672

In vitro evaluation of multi-protein chimeric antigens in effectively clearing the blood stage of Plasmodium falciparum

Bhagyashree Deshmukh, Dhruv Khatri, Sanjay Kumar Kochar , Chaitanya Athale, Krishanpal Karmodiya

Vaccine 2025;54

DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.126952

Disparate co-evolution and prevalence of sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine resistance alleles and haplotypes at dhfr and dhps genes across Africa

Nina F. D. White, Georgia Whitton, Varanya Wasakul, Lucas Amenga-Etego, Antoine Dara, Voahangy Andrianaranjaka, Milijaona Randrianarivelojosia, Olivo Miotto, Umberto D’Alessandro, Abdoulaye Djimdé, Cristina V. Ariani, Richard D. Pearson & Alfred Amambua-Ngwa

Nature Scientific Reports 2025;15;13222

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-98035-7

Plasmodium falciparum Subtilisin-Like Domain Containing Protein ((PfSDP) PF3D7_1105800), a Cross-Stage Antigen, Elicits Short-Lived Antibody Response Following Natural Infection with Plasmodium falciparum

Jonas Arnaud Kengne-Ouafo, Collins M Morang'a, Nancy K Nyakoe, Daniel Dosoo, Richmond Tackie, Joe Mutungi, Saikou Y Bah, Lucas Amenga-Etego, Britta C. Urban, Gordon A. Awandare, Yaw Aniweh, Bismarck Dinko

Preprints.org 2025

DOI: 10.20944/preprints202504.0407.v

A monoclonal antibody selectively recognizing PfEMP1 proteins associated with cerebral malaria

Nanna Dalgaard, Rebecca W Olsen, Yvonne Adams, Blanca L Mendez, Sofie Amalie Gehrcke Bisholm, Jonas J Rudbaek, Azizath Mousiliou, Melanie R Walker, Lars Hviid, Rachida Tahar, Nicaise T Ndam2 Lea Barfod1 Email Anja R Jensen1

Research Square 2025

DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6252569/v1

An expanded method for malaria parasite genetic surveillance using targeted nanopore sequencing

William L. Hamilton, Lucas N. Amenga-Etego, Alexandria J. R. Harrott, Richard D. Pearson, Cristina V. Ariani, Collins M. Morang'a, Mona-Liza Sakyi, Ahmed Osumanu, Enock K. Amoako, Fagdéba David Bara, Yaw Aniweh, Gordon A. Awandare, Myra Hosmillo , Kess Rowe , Ian Goodfellow , Francis Zeukeng 2:30

veRixiv 2025

DOI: 10.12688/verixiv.630.1

Highly multiplex molecular inversion probe panel in Plasmodium falciparum targeting common SNPs approximates whole genome sequencing assessments for selection and relatedness

Karamoko Niaré, Rebecca Crudale, Abebe A. Fola, Neeva Wernsman Young, Victor Asua, View ORCID ProfileMelissa Conrad, Pierre Gashema, Anita Ghansah, Stan Hangi, Deus S. Ishengoma, Jean-Baptiste Mazarati, Ayalew Jejaw Zeleke, Philip J. Rosenthal, View ORCID ProfileAbdoulaye A. Djimdé, Jonathan J. Juliano, Jeffrey A Bailey

medRxiv 2025

DOI: 10.1101/2025.03.07.25323597

New insights on malaria parasite adaptation yielded by samples archived for more than 50 years

Alfred Amambua-Ngwa, Mouhamadou Fadel Diop, Christopher J. Drakeley, Umberto d’Alessandro, Dominic P. Kwiatkowski, David J. Conway

bioRxiv 2025

DOI: 10.1101/2025.03.11.642566

Liver stage P. falciparum antigens highly targeted by CD4+ T cells in malaria-exposed Ugandan children

Gonzalo R. Acevedo, Sophie S. Samiee, Mikias Ilala, Justine Levan, Meagan E. Olive, Riana D. Hunter, Mary Prahl, Raja Rajalingam, John Rek, Grant Dorsey, Margaret E. Feeney

PLOS Pathogens 2025;21;2

DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012943

Heterogeneous constraint and adaptation across the malaria parasite life cycle

Sarah A. Perkins, Daniel E. Neafsey, Angela M. Early

bioRxiv 2025

DOI: 10.1101/2025.02.11.636054

Genomic exploration of the journey of Plasmodium vivax in Latin America

Margaux J. M. Lefebvre, Fanny Degrugillier, Céline Arnathau, Gustavo A. Fontecha, Oscar Noya, Sandrine Houzé, Carlo Severini, Bruno Pradines, Antoine Berry, Jean-François Trape, Fabian E. Sáenz, Franck Prugnolle, Michael C. Fontaine, Virginie Rougeron

PLOS Pathogens 2025;21:1

DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012811

Role of novel mutations in food vacuole transporters beyond K13-mediated artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum

Iqbal Taliy Junaid, Ashutosh Panda, Arunaditya Deshmukh, Rahila Sardar, Monika Narwal, Prakhar Agrawal, Neha Prakash, Asif Akhtar, Amit Kumar Dey, Suneet Shekhar Singh, Saptarshi Mridha, Jigneshkumar Mochi, Sadaf Parveen, Mohit Kumar, Rashi Nagar, Naseem Gaur, Dinesh Gupta, Asif Mohmmed, Inderjeet Kaur, Krishanpal Karmodiya, Pawan Malhotra

Research Square 2025

DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5749310/v1

Plasmodium falciparum transcription factor AP2-06B is mutated at high frequency in Southeast Asia but does not associate with drug resistance

Qiyang Shi, Changhong Wang, Wenluan Yang, Xiaoqin Ma. Jianxia Tang, Jiayao Zhang, Guoding Zhu, Yinlong Wang, Yaobao Liu, Xiaoqin He

Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol. 2025;14

DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1521152

Protective antibodies target cryptic epitope unmasked by cleavage of malaria sporozoite protein

Cherrelle Dacon, Re’em Moskovitz, Kristian Swearingen, Lais Da Silva Pereira, Yevel Flores-Garcia, Maya Aleshnick, Sachie Kanatani, Barbara Flynn, Alvaro Molina-Cruz, Kurt Wollenberg, Maria Traver, Payton Kirtley, Lauren Purser, Marlon Dillon, Brian Bonilla, Adriano Franco, Samantha Petros, Jake Kritzberg, Courtney Tucker, Gonzalo Gonzalez Paez, Priya Gupta, Melanie J. Shears, Joseph Pazzi, Joshua M. Edgar, Andy A. Teng, Arnel Belmonte, Kyosuke Oda, Safiatou Doumbo, Ludmila Krymskaya, Jeff Skinner, Shanping Li, Suman Ghosal, Kassoum Kayentao, Aissata Ongoiba, Ashley Vaughan, Joseph J. Campo, Boubacar Traore, Carolina Barillas-Mury, Wathsala Wijayalath, Azza Idris, Peter D. Crompton, Photini Sinnis, Brandon K. Wilder, Fidel Zavala, Robert A. Seder, Ian A. Wilson, and Joshua Tan

Science 2025;387(6729)

DOI: 10.1126/science.adr0510