Coccidia

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Coccidia
Coccidia oocysts
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Chromalveolata
Superphylum: Alveolata
Phylum: Apicomplexa
Class: Conoidasida
Subclass: Coccidia or Coccidiasina
Orders

Coccidia (Coccidiasina) are a subclass of microscopic, spore-forming, single-celled obligate intracellular parasites belonging to the apicomplexan class Conoidasida.[1] As obligate intracellular parasites, they must live and reproduce within an animal cell. Coccidian parasites infect the intestinal tracts of animals,[2] and are the largest group of apicomplexan protozoa.

Infection with these parasites is known as coccidiosis.

Contents

Taxonomy[edit]

The class is divided into four orders which are distinguished by the presence or absence of various asexual and sexual stages:

The order Eucoccidiorida is divided into two suborders. These these two groups differ in their sexual development: syzygy for Adeleorina and independent gametes for Eimeriorina.

The first suborder, Adeleorina, comprises coccidia of invertebrates and the coccidia that alternate between blood-sucking invertebrates and various vertebrates; this group includes Haemogregarina and Hepatozoon. There are seven families in this suborder.

The second suborder, Eimeriorina, comprises coccidia of a variety of coccidia many of form cysts. A number of genera, including Toxoplasma and Sarcocystis, infect vertebrates.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "The Taxonomicon & Systema Naturae" (Website database). Taxon: Genus Cryptosporidium. Universal Taxonomic Services, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 2000. 
  2. ^ "Biodiversity explorer: Apicomplexa (apicomplexans, sporozoans)". Iziko Museums of Cape Town. 

External links[edit]

  • Lillehoj, Hyun S. (October 1996). "Two Strategies for Protecting Poultry From Coccidia". Agricultural Research magazine (United States Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Research Service) (October 1996).  Describes using live-parasite vaccine versus a monoclonal antibody to block the sporozoite from invading a host's cell.