Plasmodium colombiense

"Plasmodium colombiense" is a parasite of the genus "Plasmodium".

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

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

Description

The parasite was first described by Ayala and Spain in 1976. Ayala S.C. and Spain J.L. (1976) A population of "Plasmodium colombiense" sp. n. in the iguanid lizard, "Anolis auratus". J. Parasitol. 62:177-189.]

Geographical occurrence

This species is found in Venezuela.

Clinical features and host pathology

The only known host of this parasite is the iguanid lizard "Anolis auratus".

Mature schizonts have 3 - 14 merozoites (usually 6, 8, or 10). This number may be reduced to 4 to 6 in chronic infections.

Gametocytes are round to oblong and measure 6 by 5 µm. The pigment in microgametocytes is located within a single peripheral vacuole.

Parasitemia averages 2.5% and seldom surpassed 20-30%. Infections cause significant anemia, and parasites in active infections are most common in immature erythrocytes. Host response is similar to avian or primate infections, including erythropoiesis, phagocytosis, and interference with parasite growth.

References