Plasmodium gabaldoni

Plasmodium gabaldoni is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Giovannolaia.

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

Description

The parasite was first described by Garnham in 1977.

The trophozoites are round, have a large vacuole and a large nucleus. Up to five pigment granules may be present clumped into a single mass. Multiple trophozoites may be found within the same host cell.

Each trophozoite gives rise to 12-36 (average 24) merozoites. The meronts surround the host nucleus and frequently induce rounding of the host cell. Merogony usually takes 24 hours.

Gametocytes surround the host nucleus and cause rounding of the host cell.

Geographical occurrence

This parasite is found in Venezuela.

Clinical features and host pathology

P. gabaldoni infects muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) and rock pigeons (Columba livia).

References