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

Plasmodium vautieri
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. vautieri
Binomial name
Plasmodium vautieri
Pessoa and de Blasi, 1973

Taxonomy edit

The parasite was first described by Pessoa and de Blasi in 1973.[1]

Description edit

The meronts give rise to 10-20 merozoites arranged in a rosette.

The meronts measure 4.8 - 7.5 x 3.5 - 6.0 microns.

Pigment granules are occur either as a central mass or at the edge of the cell.

The gametocytes are ovoid. There is no apparent difference between the male and female gametocytes.

The gametocytes measure 5.0 - 7.5 x 3.0 - 4.0

Distribution edit

This species is found in Brazil, South America.

Hosts edit

The only known host is the lizard Urostrophus vautieri.

References edit

  1. ^ Pessoa SB & de Biasi P(1973) Plasmódio de uma lagartixa Urostrophus vautieri D. & B. (Sauria, Iguanidae). Memórias do Instituto Butantan 37: 309