Plasmodium basilisci

Plasmodium basilisci is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Carinamoeba.

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

Description
This species was described by Pelaez and Perez-Reyes in 1959.

This species infects mature cells only. The parasite occurs in a polar position in the cell. The host cell is not enlarged and the nucleus is not displaced.

A single mass of dark brown pigment develops and the schizonts arrange themselves in a double fan like configuration.

The merozoites number between 6 and 9 (average 7). The mature schizonts measure 3 micrometres x 6 micrometres.

The male gametocytes measure 4 micrometres x 8 micrometres and are irregularly shaped. The nucleus is redish purple and the cytoplasm is mauve. Pigment granules are scattered throughout the cytoplasm.

The female gametocytes measure 5 micrometres x 10 micrometres. The nucleus stains pale pink and the cytoplasm pale blue. 4 - 8 pigment grains occur in the cytoplasm usually at one end.

Geographical occurrence
This species occurs in Brazil, El Salvador and Honduras.

Clinical features and host pathology
This species infects the striped basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus), Basiliscus plumbifrons and Iguana iguana rhinolopha.