Mesnilium

Mesnilium
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Superphylum: Alveolata
Phylum: Apicomplexa
Class: Aconoidasida
Order: Haemosporida
Family: Plasmodiidae
Genus: Mesnilium
Species

Mesnilium malariae

Mesnilium is a genus of parasitic protozoa of belonging to the phylum Apicomplexia. Its vertebrate hosts are fish. The vectors are not presently known but are thought likely to be leeches.

History

The genus was created in 1972 by Misra, Haldar and Chakravarty.[1]

Description

Merogony occurs in erythrocytes and reticulo-endothelial cells.

Gamogony occurs only in erythrocytes.

Pigment granules are present only in microgamonts and macrogametes.

Hosts

The only known host of this parasite is the freshwater murrel (Ophicephalus punctatus).

References

  1. Misra K.K., Haldar D.P. and Chakravarty M.M. (1972) Observations on Mesnilium malariae gen.nov., spec.nov. (Haemosporidia, Sporozoa) from the fresh water teleost, Ophicephalus punctatus Bloch. Arch. Protistenkd 114, 444-452