The Apicomplexa are a large phylum of mainly parasitic alveolates. Most of them possess a unique form of organelle that comprises a type of non-photosynthetic plastid called an apicoplast, and an apical complex structure. The organelle is an adaptation that the apicomplexan applies in penetration of a host cell.
Plasmodium is a genus of unicellular eukaryotes that are obligate parasites of vertebrates and insects. The life cycles of Plasmodium species involve development in a blood-feeding insect host which then injects parasites into a vertebrate host during a blood meal. Parasites grow within a vertebrate body tissue before entering the bloodstream to infect red blood cells. The ensuing destruction of host red blood cells can result in malaria. During this infection, some parasites are picked up by a blood-feeding insect, continuing the life cycle.
The Plasmodiidae are a family of apicomplexan parasites, including the type genus Plasmodium, which is responsible for malaria. This family was erected in 1903 by Mesnil and is one of the four families in the order Haemospororida.
Plasmodium brumpti is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Sauramoeba. As in all Plasmodium species, P. brumpti has both vertebrate and insect hosts. The vertebrate hosts for this parasite are reptiles.
Plasmodium heischi is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Sauramoeba. As in all Plasmodium species P. heischi, has both vertebrate and insect hosts. The vertebrate hosts for this parasite are reptiles.
Plasmodium gracilis is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium.
Plasmodium coggeshalli is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Haemamoeba.
Plasmodium dissanaikei is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Giovannolaia.
Plasmodium durae is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Giovannolaia.
Plasmodium fallax is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Giovannolaia.
Plasmodium polare is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Papernaia.
Plasmodium foleyi is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Vinckeia. As in all Plasmodium species, P. foleyi has both vertebrate and insect hosts. The vertebrate hosts for this parasite are mammals.
Plasmodium achiotense is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium.
Plasmodium sandoshami is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Vinckeia. As in all Plasmodium species, P. sandoshami has both vertebrate and insect hosts. The vertebrate hosts for this parasite are mammals.
Plasmodium anomaluri is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Vinckeia. As in all Plasmodium species, P. anomaluri has both vertebrate and insect hosts. The vertebrate hosts for this parasite are mammals.
Plasmodium megalotrypa is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium.
Plasmodium minuoviride is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium.
Plasmodium vinckei is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium subgenus Vinckeia. As in all Plasmodium species, P. vinckei has both vertebrate and insect hosts. The vertebrate hosts for this parasite are rodents.
Plasmodium neusticuri is a parasite of the genus Plasmodium.
