Coccidian

A group of protozoan parasites

Authority:

Coccidia
Kingdom:
Phylum:	Apicomplexa
Class:	Conoidasida
Order:
Family:	'

Coccidia are a subclass of microscopic, spore-forming, single-celled obligate intracellular parasites belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa. They are known to infect the intestinal tracts of animals, including humans, and are responsible for the disease known as coccidiosis.

Life Cycle

Coccidia have a complex life cycle that includes both sexual and asexual reproduction. The life cycle typically involves the following stages:

1. Sporogony: This is the asexual phase that occurs outside the host. The oocyst, which is the infective form, is shed in the feces of the host and undergoes sporulation in the environment, becoming infective.
2. Merogony (Schizogony): Once ingested by a new host, the sporozoites are released from the oocyst and invade the intestinal cells, where they undergo asexual reproduction to form merozoites.
3. Gametogony: Merozoites differentiate into male and female gametes. The male gametes fertilize the female gametes to form a zygote, which develops into an oocyst.
4. Oocyst Formation: The oocyst is excreted in the feces, completing the cycle.

Pathogenesis

Coccidiosis is characterized by diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration. The severity of the disease depends on the species of coccidia, the number of oocysts ingested, and the immune status of the host. In severe cases, it can lead to death, especially in young or immunocompromised animals.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of coccidiosis is typically made by identifying oocysts in fecal samples using microscopic examination. Molecular techniques such as PCR can also be used for more precise identification of coccidian species.

Treatment and Control

Treatment of coccidiosis often involves the use of anticoccidial drugs such as sulfonamides or ionophores. Control measures include maintaining good sanitation, reducing stress in animals, and using vaccines where available.

Species of Interest

Some notable species of coccidia include:

• Eimeria - A genus that affects poultry and livestock.
• Isospora - A genus that can infect dogs and cats.
• Cryptosporidium - Known for causing cryptosporidiosis in humans and animals.

Also see

• Apicomplexa
• Coccidiosis
• Cryptosporidium
• Eimeria
• Isospora

Apicomplexa Overview
Kingdom	Protista
Phylum	Apicomplexa
Characteristics	Obligate intracellular parasites, complex life cycles, apical complex structure
Notable Genera	Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium, Eimeria
Diseases Caused	Malaria, Toxoplasmosis, Cryptosporidiosis, Coccidiosis
Reproduction	Sexual and asexual phases, often involving multiple hosts
Research Importance	Study of parasitic diseases, vaccine development, drug resistance
Related Articles	Protozoa, Parasitology, Infectious disease