Plasmodium cephalophi

"Plasmodium cephalophi" is a parasite of the genus "Plasmodium" subgenus "Vinckeia".

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

Taxobox
color = khaki
name = "Plasmodium cephalophi"
image_caption =


image_width =
regnum = Protista
phylum = Apicomplexa
classis = Aconoidasida
ordo = Haemosporida
familia = Plasmodiidae
genus = "Plasmodium"
species = "P. cephalophi"
binomial = "Plasmodium cephalophi"

Description

The parasite was first described by Bruce "et al" in 1913. Bruce D., Harvey D., Hamerton A. E. and Bruce (1913) Proc. Royal Soc. London B pp45-50 ]

Geographical occurrence

This species was described in Nyasaland, Africa - now Malawi.

Clinical features and host pathology

The parasite was found in the blood of two antelopes ("Cephalophus grimmi").

The schizonts give rise to 8-12 merozoites. Mature merozoites measure 10 x 10 micrometres.

The merozoites are large measuring 3.5 by 4.0 micrometres.

The gametocytes are round and possess a number of darkly staining granules.

The infected erythrocytes are pale.

It is also known to infect the grey duiker ("Sylvicapra grimmia") Keymer I.F. (1966) Studies on "Plasmodium (Vinckeia) cephalophi" of the grey duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) Ann. Trop. Med. Parasitol. 60(2):129-138 ]

References

* link [http://www.jstor.org/view/09501193/ap000086/00a00040/0]