Plasmodium loveridgei is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Lacertamoeba.

Plasmodium loveridgei
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. loveridgei
Binomial name
Plasmodium loveridgei
Telford, 1984

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

Description edit

The parasite was first described by Telford in 1984.[1]

Young schizonts elongate and narrow with acuminate ends. Mature schizonts are polymorphic, are usually larger than host cell nuclei, and give rise to 6-26 merozoites.

Immature gametocytes like young schizonts are elongate and narrow, with acuminate ends. Mature gametocytes are elongate averaging 3 times the host cell nucleus size and have dispersed pigment.

Geographical occurrence edit

This species is found in the Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania.

Clinical features and host pathology edit

This species infects the lizard Lygodactylus picturatus.

References edit

  1. ^ Telford, Jr S.R. (1984) Studies on African saurian malarias: Three Plasmodium species from gekkonid hosts J. Parasitol. 70 (3) 343-354