Plasmodium holaspi

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

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

Plasmodium holaspi
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Protista
Phylum:	Apicomplexa
Class:	Aconoidasida
Order:	Haemosporida
Family:	Plasmodiidae
Genus:	Plasmodium
Species:	P. holaspi
Binomial name
Plasmodium holaspi

Description

The parasite was first described by Telford in 1986.[1]

Schizonts are oblong or formed as rosettes and are approximately the same size as the host cell nucleus.

Each produces 8-18 merozoites.

Gametocytes are elongate and are approximately twice the size of host cell nuclei. They have prominent and irregular pigment granules.

Young gametocytes and the asexual stages almost always occupy marginal positions in host cells.

Maturing gametocytes contain large masses or blocks of chromatin.

Geographical occurrence

This species is found in Tanzania, Africa.

Clinical features and host pathology

This parasite infects the flying lacertid Holaspis guentheri.

References

1. Telford S.R. Jr. (1986) Studies on African saurian malarias: Plasmodium holaspi n. sp. from the flying lacertid Holaspis guentheri. J. Parasitol. 72(2):271-275