Plasmodium cnemidophori

Plasmodium cnemidophori is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Sauramoeba. As in all Plasmodium species, P. cnemidophori has both vertebrate and insect hosts. The vertebrate hosts for this parasite are lizards.

Plasmodium cnemidophori
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Clade: Diaphoretickes
Clade: SAR
Clade: Alveolata
Phylum: Apicomplexa
Class: Aconoidasida
Order: Haemospororida
Family: Plasmodiidae
Genus: Plasmodium
Species:
P. cnemidophori
Binomial name
Plasmodium cnemidophori
Carini, 1941

Description

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The parasite was first described by Carini in 1941.[1]

The schizonts and gametocytes caused hypertrophy and distortion of host cell and nucleus. The nucleus may be displaced.

Pigment is not located in a distinct vacuole.

The schizonts are usually polar in position, rounded in shape, and may produce over 100 merozoites. Large schizonts visibly enlarge the erythrocyte. Mature schizonts measure 13.0 +/- 0.4 (range: 10-15) micrometres x 10.8 +/- 3 (range: 8-13) micrometres.

The gametocytes are elongated and lateral in position.

Mature microgametocytes measure 11.8 +/- 0.9 (range: 10-15) micrometres x 8.8 +/- 0.6 (range:7-10) micrometres.

Distribution

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This species is found in Brazil, Panama and Venezuela.

Hosts

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This species infects the lizards Ameiva ameiva, and Cnemidophorus lemniscatus lemniscatus.

References

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  1. ^ Carini, A. 1941. Sobre um plasmodio endoglobular e uma Eimeria do lagarto Cnemidophorus lemniscatus lemniscatus. Arch. Biol. S. Paulo 25, 205-208.