Plasmodium holaspi

Plasmodium holaspi is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium.

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

Description
The parasite was first described by Telford in 1986.

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.