Plasmodium kentropyxi

"Plasmodium achiotense" is a parasite of the genus "Plasmodium" subgenus "Sauramoeba".

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

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


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

Description

The parasite was first described by Lainson "et al" in 2001. Lainson R, Landau I, Paperna I. (2001) "Plasmodium kentropyxi" n.sp. (Apicomplexa: Haemosporina: Plasmodiidae) and a "Plasmodium tropiduri"-like parasite in the lizard "Kentropyx calcarata" (Lacertilia: Teiidae) in north Brazil. Parasite 8(2):107-113]

Young asexual stages are initially polar in the erythrocyte but with matuation, move to a lateral position. The larger meronts may slightly enlarge the erythrocyte but most asexual stages do not. Conspicuous greenish-black pigment granules are located in a distinct vacuole.

The largest schizonts contain 30-40 nuclei.

The gametocytes are at first polar in the erythrocyte but gradually move to a lateral position. They eventually assume a smooth, curved cylindrical shape with evenly rounded ends. Pigment is scattered or concentrated around a conspicuous vacuole which is slowly developed as the gametocytes mature. The mature gametocytes occasionally enlarge the erythrocyte.

Mature male parasites measured 11.8 x 4.0 micrometres (range: 9.6 x 4.2 - 13.2 x 3.6 micrometres) and females 13.5 x 4.5 micrometres (range: 12.0 x 4.5 - 15.0 x 4.8 micrometres).

Geographical occurrence

This species is found in Brazil and Surinam, South America.

Clinical features and host pathology

The only known host is the teiid lizard "Kentropyx calcarata".

References

External links

* images [http://www.uvm.edu/~jschall/lizardmalaria/surinam.html]