Sauroplasma is a genus of parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa.

Sauroplasma
Scientific classification
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Genus:
Sauroplasma
Species

Sauroplasma boreale
Sauroplasma thomasi

Species in this genus have two hosts (a vertebrate and an invertebrate) in their life cycle: for species in this genus the vertebrate host are lizards. The vectors are not known but ticks have been suggested as possible hosts.

The type species is Sauroplasma thomasi.

History

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This genus was described in 1938 by du Toit.

Description

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To date this species has been described from erythrocytes only.

The parasites are amoeboid but frequently adopt a ring shape.

A vacuole is present and occasionally one or more pigment granules.

Schizogony is absent.

Binary fission or budding into two daughter cells occurs.

Host records

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Unknown species

References

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