Plasmodium basilisci

"Plasmodium basilisci" is a parasite of the genus "Plasmodium" subgenus "Carinamoeba".

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

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


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

Description

This species was described by Pelaez and Perez-Reyes in 1959. Pelaez and Perez-Reyes (1959) Revta. Lat.Am Micro. 2, 41-50 ]

This species infects mature cells only. The parasite occurs in a polar position in the cell. The host cell is not enlarged and the nucleus is not displaced.

A single mass of dark brown pigment develops and the schizonts arrange themselves in a double fan like configuration.

The merozoites number between 6 and 9 (average 7). The mature schizonts measure 3 micrometres x 6 micrometres.

The male gametocytes measure 4 micrometres x 8 micrometres and are irregularly shaped. The nucleus is redish purple and the cytoplasm is mauve. Pigment granules are scattered throughout the cytoplasm.

The female gametocytes measure 5 micrometres x 10 micrometres. The nucleus stains pale pink and the cytoplasm pale blue. 4 - 8 pigment grains occur in the cytoplasm usually at one end.

Geographical occurrence

This species occurs in Brazil, El Salvador and Honduras.

Clinical features and host pathology

This species infects the striped basilisk ("Basiliscus vittatus"), "Basiliscus plumbifrons" and "Iguana iguana rhinolopha".

References