Giovannolaia

Giovanolaia is a subgenus of the genus Plasmodium created by Corradetti et al in 1963. ^[1] The parasites within this subgenus infect birds.

[edit] Diagnostic features

Species in the subgenus Giovanolaia have the following characteristics:

Schizonts contain plentiful cytoplasm, are larger than the host cell nucleus and frequently displace it. They are found only in mature erythrocytes.

Gametocytes are elongated.

Exoerythrocytic schizogony occurs in the mononuclear phagocyte system.

^ Corradetti A., Garnham P. C. C. and Laird M. (1963). New classification of the avian malaria parasites. Parassitologia 5, 1–4