A new malaria parasite in Hylopetes alboniger Hodgson

Abstract

Tissue stage and erythrocytic stages of a new malaria parasite Rayella hylopetei n.sp., is described from a Particoloured flying squirrel Hylopetes alboniger Hodgson encountered in Darjeeling. Tissue stages are represented by schizonts in the form of cystic bodies occurring in characteristic foci of infection occurringi n the liver. Schizonts are absent in the erythrocytes, and it appears that all immature stages in the erythrocytes directly develop into gametocytes. Haemozoin pigments occur in the form of black granules. The infected red blood cells are slightly enlarged and are without stippling.The investigation received financial support from the World Health Organization.