Plasmodium narayani
Plasmodium narayani is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Vinckeia.
Like all Plasmodium species P. narayani has both vertebrate and insect hosts. The vertebrate hosts for this parasite are mammals.
| Plasmodium narayani | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Protista |
| Phylum: | Apicomplexa |
| Class: | Aconoidasida |
| Order: | Haemosporida |
| Family: | Plasmodiidae |
| Genus: | Plasmodium |
| Species: | P. narayani |
| Binomial name | |
| Plasmodium narayani | |
Description
The parasite was first described by de Mello and Diaz in 1936.[1]
This parasite has only been described on one occasion. The description is incomplete and this species should be regarded as being of dubious validity until further work has confirmed or refuted these findings.
As described the schizonts were annular and amoeboid and between 1/5 and 1/6 of the erythrocyte in size. Black pigment was seen. 9-11 merozoites per schizont were seen. The gameotocytes were oval. No granules or dots were seen in the erythrocytes.
Geographical occurrence
This parasite is found in India.
Vectors
Not known.
Clinical features and host pathology
This species infects the otter (Lutea lutra).
References
- ↑ de Mello F., Diaz E. (1936) Plasmodium narayani n.sp., parasite of the fish otter Lutea lutra. Proc. Indian Acad. Sci. B 3:212-213.