SUMMARYEperythrozoon mariboi sp.nov. is described from the red blood cells of splenectomized flying foxes (Pteropus macrotis epularius), from New Guinea. The parasite is polymorphic. The most common form is a fine line 5–8 μ long extending across the red blood cell. Marginal forms are also found. Multiple infections of the host cell also occur. In the initial infection ring forms were common, as well as other forms.Parasitaemia was followed by anaemia, and the infections were characterised by repeated relapses at irregular intervals.This work was supported by Grant No A1–08449 from the National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare. I would like to thank Mr T. Ikupu and Mr T. Engendi, both of the University of Papua and New Guinea, for technical assistance; Mrs M. Cahill, also of the University of Papua and New Guinea for attempting to culture the organisms; Dr D. Weinman of Yale University, for confirming the identity of the parasites; Dr T. J. Dondero of the Hooper Foundation for translating some of the references into English; and Dr F. Colley also of the Hooper Foundation, for comments on the manuscript.The analysis of some of the data in this paper was done while I was on study leave at the Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur, and I would like to thank its Director for the hospitality provided.I would especially like to thank Mr Yap Loy Fong, Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur, for preparing Fig. 1.
Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur