Garnia karyolytica n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Haemosporina: Garniidae), a blood parasite of the Brazilian lizard Thecodactylus rapicaudus (Squamata: Gekkonidae)

Abstract

Development of meronts and gametocytes of Garnia karyolytica nov.sp., is described in erythrocytes of the neotropical forest gecko Thecodactylus rapicaudus from Para State, north Brazil. Meronts are round to subpherical and predominantly polar in position: forms reaching 12.0 × 10.0 μm contain from 20-28 nuclei. Macrogametocytes and microgametocytes are predominantly elongate, lateral in the erythrocyte and average 16.6 × 6.3μm and 15.25 × 6.24 μm respectively. Occasional spherical forms of both sexes occur in a polar or lateropolar position. All stages of development are devoid of malarial pigment. They have a progressively lytic effect on the host-cell nucleus, particularly the mature gametocytes, which enlarge and deform the erythrocyte. Possible vector(s) of garniid parasites are considered, and phlebotomine sandflies are high on the list of suspects.