Plasmodium auffenbergi explained

Plasmodium auffenbergi is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Carinamoeba.[1]

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

Taxonomy

The parasite was first described by Telford in 2016[1]

The meronts are cruciform or fan shaped. They measure 3.0 x 2.2 microns. They produce 2-5 merozoites.

The gametocytes are spherical to ovoid and measure 4.7 x 3.9 microns. Male and female gametocytes do not differ in size or morphology.

Distribution

This species is found in the Philippines.

Hosts

This species infects the peacock monitor (Varanus auffenbergi). This lizard is also known as Auffenberg's monitor.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Hemoparasites of the Reptilia: Color Atlas and Text . Samuel R. Telford, Jr. . 19 April 2016 . CRC Press . 57 . 9781420080414 . 13 December 2016.