Plasmodium heischi

Plasmodium heischi is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Sauramoeba.

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

Description
The parasite was first described by Garnham and Telford in 1984.

The schizonts produce up to 65 nuclei and cause host cell hypertrophy and distortion.

The gametocytes are spindle-shaped. The female gametocyte often has a subterminal nucleus.

Geographical occurrence
This species was described in Kenya, Africa.

Clinical features and host pathology
The only host for this species are the skinks Mabuya striata.