Plasmodiidae

Plasmodiidae is a family of apicomplexan parasites, including the type genus Plasmodium, which is responsible for malaria. The family was described by Levine ND in 1980.

Taxonomy

The family Plasmodiidae belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa, class Aconoidasida, and order Haemosporida. The family contains the following genera:

• Plasmodium - includes species causing malaria in humans and other animals
• Hepatocystis - parasites of bats and monkeys
• Nycteria - parasites of bats
• Polychromophilus - parasites of bats
• Rayella - parasites of frogs
• Saurocytozoon - parasites of lizards
• Volkameria - parasites of birds

Characteristics

Members of the Plasmodiidae family are characterized by their life cycle, which involves both asexual and sexual reproduction. The asexual phase occurs in the host's liver cells and red blood cells, while the sexual phase occurs in the gut of the mosquito vector.

Pathogenicity

The most well-known and deadly member of this family is Plasmodium, the causative agent of malaria. Malaria is a major global health problem, causing significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

See also

• Malaria
• Apicomplexa
• Parasitology

References

Plasmodiidae Resources
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