Plasmodium caucasica explained

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

Description

The parasite was first described by Telford in 2013.[1] Meronts are very large (11-21 x 8-17 microns) and produce 32-67 merozoites each. The gametocytes are ovoid to elongate and measure 6-14 x 2.5-6 microns.

Distribution

This species is found in Azerbaijan.[1]

Hosts

This species infects the rock agama Paralaudakia caucasia.[1]

Vectors

Not known.

Notes and References

  1. Telford. SR Jr. 2013. Plasmodium, Saurocytozoon and Haemocystidium parasites (Apicomplexa: Plasmodiidae) from the rock agama, Laudakia caucasia (Sauria: Agamidae), in southern Asia. Folia Parasitol (Praha). 60. 3. 225–231. 10.14411/fp.2013.025. 23951929. free.