Plasmodium mackerrasae

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

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

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

Description

The parasite was first described by Telford in 1979. 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".

References