Plasmodium cephalophi

Plasmodium cephalophi is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Vinckeia.

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

Description
The parasite was first described by Bruce et al in 1913.

Geographical occurrence
This species was described in Nyasaland, Africa - now Malawi.

Clinical features and host pathology
The parasite was found in the blood of two antelopes (Cephalophus grimmi).

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 posses a number of darkly staining granules.

The infected erythrocytes are pale.

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