Complete gene sequence diversity, amplification, and natural selection of the Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein locus

While PvdbpII remains the most variable domain, sequence diversity occurred outside this domain. Cambodian-type Pvdbp duplications, often with identical sequences, may enhance immune evasion via increased gene dosage. Positive selection is broadly distributed and likely driven by host immune pressure. Whether positive selection outside PvdbpII is relevant for vaccine design requires further investigation.