[ Telford S.R. Jr. (1979) A malarial parasite of Australian skinks, "Plasmodium mackerrasae" sp. n. J. Parasitol. 65(3):409-413] ]Both schizonts and gametocytes parasitize all cells in the erythrocyte series.
The presence of pigment in both asexual and sexual stages is correlated with maturity of the host cell.
While asexual forms contain a single large vacuole, the mature gametocytes may show 1-4 vacuoles.
The mature schizonts containing 6-12 nuclei arranged peripherally as a rosette.
The gametocytes are round to oval and are equal to or slightly smaller than host cell nuclei.
This species resembles "Plasmodium sasai" and "Plasmodium tropiduri". It may be distinguished from these species by the following characteristics:
"P. sasai" possess fan-shaped schizonts and its gametocytes are more heavily pigmented
"P. tropiduri" has more variability in shape and greater vacuolation of the gametocytes.
Host and geographic differences further support the distinction of these species.
Geographical occurrence
This parasite is found in Australia.
Clinical features and host pathology
This species occurs naturally in the Australian skinks "Egernia cunninghami" and "Egernia striolata". It will also infect "Egernia whitei".
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