Plasmodium cynomolgi is a parasite that infects mosquitoes and Asian old world monkeys. Because of similar biological characteristics and life cycle, Plasmodium cynomolgi is also used as a model for human Plasmodium vivax. Plasmodium cynomolgi infection can change the structure of the erythrocyte membrane, causing red blood cells to appear surface perturbations when stained with Giemsa, showing a pink dot. Plasmodium cynomolgi is distributed in Southeast Asia and causes milder and self-limiting conditions.
Alternative Names
Plasmodium cynomolgi; malaria; Plasmodium; P. cynomolgi