Plasmodium lepidoptiformis

"Plasmodium lepidoptiformis" is a parasite of the genus "Plasmodium". Telford S. R. Jr. and Telford S. R. III (2003) Rediscovery and redescription of "Plasmodium pifanoi" and description of two additional "Plasmodium" parasites of Venezuelan lizards. J. Parasitol. 89(2) 362–368 ]

Like all "Plasmodium" species "P. lepidoptiformis" has both vertebrate and insect hosts. The vertebrate hosts for this parasite are lizards.

Taxobox
color = khaki
name = "Plasmodium lepidoptiformis"
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regnum = Protista
phylum = Apicomplexa
classis = Aconoidasida
ordo = Haemosporida
familia = Plasmodiidae
genus = "Plasmodium"
species = "P. lepidoptiformis"
binomial = "Plasmodium lepidoptiformis"

Description

This species was described by Telford and Telford in 2003.

The schizonts are small 4.6 × 3.2 micrometres (range: 3 – 6 × 2.5 – 3) and produce on average 5.1 (4 – 8) merozoites. They frequently resemble a butterfly in appearance.

The gametocytes are elongate, 9.0 × 4.3 micrometres (range: 7 – 10 × 3 – 6), with average length-width product of 38.3 (range: 24 – 51) and length / width ratio of 2.2 (range: 1.3 – 3.3). They are sexually dimorphic, with the macrogametocytes being longer than microgametocytes and having a greater length-width product.

Geographical occurrence

Found in Venezuela, South America.

Clinical features and host pathology

The only known host is the lizard "Kentropyx calcarata"

References