Plasmodium basilisci
Plasmodium basilisci is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Carinamoeba.
Like all Plasmodium species P. basilisci has both vertebrate and insect hosts. The vertebrate hosts for this parasite are reptiles.
| Plasmodium basilisci | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Protista |
| Phylum: | Apicomplexa |
| Class: | Aconoidasida |
| Order: | Haemosporida |
| Family: | Plasmodiidae |
| Genus: | Plasmodium |
| Species: | P. basilisci |
| Binomial name | |
| Plasmodium basilisci |
|
Contents |
[edit] Description
This species was described by Pelaez and Perez-Reyes in 1959.[1]
This species infects mature cells only. The parasite occurs in a polar position in the cell. The host cell is not enlarged and the nucleus is not displaced.
A single mass of dark brown pigment develops and the schizonts arrange themselves in a double fan like configuration.
The merozoites number between 6 and 9 (average 7). The mature schizonts measure 3 micrometres x 6 micrometres.
The male gametocytes measure 4 micrometres x 8 micrometres and are irregularly shaped. The nucleus is reddish purple and the cytoplasm is mauve. Pigment granules are scattered throughout the cytoplasm.
The female gametocytes measure 5 micrometres x 10 micrometres. The nucleus stains pale pink and the cytoplasm pale blue. 4 - 8 pigment grains occur in the cytoplasm usually at one end.
[edit] Geographical occurrence
This species occurs in Brazil, El Salvador and Honduras.
[edit] Clinical features and host pathology
This species infects the striped basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus), Basiliscus plumbifrons and Iguana iguana rhinolopha.
[edit] References
- ^ Pelaez and Perez-Reyes (1959) Revta. Lat.Am Micro. 2, 41-50
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