Plasmodium lepidoptiformis
Plasmodium lepidoptiformis is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium. [1]
Like all Plasmodium species P. lepidoptiformis has both vertebrate and insect hosts. The vertebrate hosts for this parasite are lizards.
| Plasmodium lepidoptiformis |
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| Scientific classification |
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| Binomial name |
Plasmodium lepidoptiformis
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Description
This species was described by Telford and Telford in 2003.
The schizonts are small 4.6 × 3.2 micrometres (range: 3 – 6 × 2.5 – 3) and produce on average 5.1 (4 – 8) merozoites. They frequently resemble a butterfly in appearance.
The gametocytes are elongate, 9.0 × 4.3 micrometres (range: 7 – 10 × 3 – 6), with average length-width product of 38.3 (range: 24 – 51) and length / width ratio of 2.2 (range: 1.3 – 3.3). They are sexually dimorphic, with the macrogametocytes being longer than microgametocytes and having a greater length-width product.
Geographical occurrence
Found in Venezuela, South America.
Clinical features and host pathology
The only known host is the lizard Kentropyx calcarata
References
- ^ Telford S. R. Jr. and Telford S. R. III (2003) Rediscovery and redescription of Plasmodium pifanoi and description of two additional Plasmodium parasites of Venezuelan lizards. J. Parasitol. 89(2) 362–368
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