Plasmodium cephalophi

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

Plasmodium cephalophi
Scientific classification
(unranked): Diaphoretickes
Clade: TSAR
Clade: SAR
Infrakingdom: Alveolata
Phylum: Apicomplexa
Class: Aconoidasida
Order: Haemospororida
Family: Plasmodiidae
Genus: Plasmodium
Species:
P. cephalophi
Binomial name
Plasmodium cephalophi
Bruce et al., 1913

Taxonomy

The parasite was first described by Bruce et al. in 1913.[1]

Description

The schizonts give rise to 8-12 merozoites. Mature merozoites measure 10 x 10 micrometres.

The merozoites are large measuring 3.5 by 4.0 micrometres.

The gametocytes are round and possess a number of darkly staining granules.

The infected erythrocytes are pale.

Distribution

This species was described in Malawi.

Hosts

The parasite was found in the blood of two antelopes (Cephalophus grimmi).

It is also known to infect the grey duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) [2]

References
  1. Bruce D., Harvey D., Hamerton A. E. and Bruce (1913) Proc. Royal Soc. Lond. B pp45-50
  2. Keymer I.F. (1966) Studies on Plasmodium (Vinckeia) cephalophi of the grey duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) Ann. Trop. Med. Parasitol. 60(2):129-138


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