Further observations on the malaria parasite of the Himalayan flying squirrel

Abstract

Two types of exflagellating bodies of the malaria parasite are described in the infected blood of the Himalayan flying squirrel (Petaurista magnificus). The first type, which is larger, is characterized by a blue-staining cytoplasm. These produce blue-microgametes with red chromatin dots. The second type, which is smaller, stains red, and also produces red microgametes. Certain large schizonts occurring in the peripheral blood are described. It is speculated that these might represent the primary tissue stage of Rayella rayi.