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.
| Plasmodium heischi | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Protista |
| Phylum: | Apicomplexa |
| Class: | Aconoidasida |
| Order: | Haemosporida |
| Family: | Plasmodiidae |
| Genus: | Plasmodium |
| Species: | P. heischi |
| Binomial name | |
| Plasmodium heischi |
|
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The parasite was first described by Garnham and Telford in 1984.[1]
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.
This species was described in Kenya, Africa.
The only host for this species are the skinks Mabuya striata.