Apicomplexa
Apicomplexa
Apicomplexa (pronounced: /ˌæpɪkəˈmplɛksə/) is a large phylum of parasitic protozoa. Most species are obligate parasites, meaning they cannot complete their life cycle without exploiting a suitable host.
Etymology
The name Apicomplexa is derived from the word apical, referring to the apical complex structure present in the organisms, and complex, indicating the complexity of the life cycle of these parasites.
Characteristics
Members of Apicomplexa are characterized by a unique set of organelles located at the apical end of the cell, known as the apical complex. This complex is involved in penetrating host cells. Other defining features include a lack of flagella in the mature forms and a life cycle that includes both sexual and asexual reproduction.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Apicomplexa is complex and involves multiple hosts. The parasites reproduce both sexually and asexually, and their life cycle stages include sporozoite, merozoite, gametocyte, and oocyst.
Diseases
Apicomplexa includes several important human pathogens, such as the malaria parasite Plasmodium and the toxoplasmosis parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Other notable Apicomplexa parasites include Cryptosporidium, which causes cryptosporidiosis, and Eimeria, which causes coccidiosis in poultry.
Treatment
Treatment of diseases caused by Apicomplexa parasites typically involves antiparasitic drugs. For example, malaria is commonly treated with chloroquine or artemisinin-based drugs, while toxoplasmosis is often treated with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Apicomplexa
- Wikipedia's article - Apicomplexa
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