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

Plasmodium narayani
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. narayani
Binomial name
Plasmodium narayani
de Mello and Diaz, 1936

Taxonomy edit

The parasite was first described by de Mello and Diaz in 1936.[1]

This parasite has only been described on one occasion. The description is incomplete and this species should be regarded as being of dubious validity until further work has confirmed or refuted these findings.

Description edit

As described the schizonts were annular and amoeboid and between 1/5 and 1/6 of the erythrocyte in size. Black pigment was seen. 9-11 merozoites per schizont were seen. The gametocytes were oval. No granules or dots were seen in the erythrocytes.

Distribution edit

This parasite is found in India.

Vectors edit

Not known.

Hosts edit

This species infects the otter (Lutea lutra).

References edit

  1. ^ de Mello F., Diaz E. (1936) Plasmodium narayani n.sp., parasite of the fish otter Lutea lutra. Proc. Indian Acad. Sci. B 3:212-213.