Plasmodium heischi

Plasmodium heischi is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Sauramoeba.

Like all Plasmodium species P. heischi has both vertebrate and insect hosts. The vertebrate hosts for this parasite are reptiles.

Plasmodium heischi
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Protista
Phylum: Apicomplexa
Class: Aconoidasida
Order: Haemosporida
Family: Plasmodiidae
Genus: Plasmodium
Species: P. heischi
Binomial name
Plasmodium heischi

Description

The parasite was first described by Garnham and Telford in 1984.[1]

The schizonts produce up to 65 nuclei and cause host cell hypertrophy and distortion.

The gametocytes are spindle-shaped. The female gametocyte often has a subterminal nucleus.

Geographical occurrence

This species was described in Kenya, Africa.

Clinical features and host pathology

The only host for this species are the skinks Mabuya striata.

References

  1. Garnham P.C. and Telford S.R. Jr. (1984) A new malaria parasite Plasmodium (Sauramoeba) heischi in skinks (Mabuya striata) from Nairobi, with a brief discussion of the distribution of malaria parasites in the family Scincidae.


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