An introduction to parasitic protozoa: Form, function and life cycles BIOL 413
Taxonomists currently recognize 7 phyla Sarcomastigophora, which includes the subphyla Sarcodina and Kinetoplastida Labyrinthomorpha, Apicomplexa, Microspora, Ascetospora, Myxozoa, Ciliophora
Of these groups, 4 are considered most important sources of human or veterinary parasites Sarcodina (Amoebas, e.g. Entamoeba histolytica) Mastigophora (Flagellates, e.g. Trypanosoma spp., Leishmania spp., Trichomonas vaginalis) Apicomplexa (possess an apical complex, e.g. Plasmodium spp., Eimeria spp., Isospora spp.) Ciliophora (ciliated protists, e.g. Balantidium coli, Ichthyophthirus multifiliis)
Distinguishing characteristics. I.: Modes of locomotion
Distinguishing characteristics. II.: Modes of reproduction
Distinguishing characteristics. III. Modes of metabolism
Examples. 1. Sarcodina
Examples. II. Mastigophora) Trichomonas vaginalisTrypanosoma spp. in blood Giardia lamblia (L) trophozoite; (R) cysts
Examples. III. Apicomplexa Plasmodium spp. life cycle Insect & human stages
Examples. IV. Ciliophora Balantidium coli trophozoiteBalantidium coli cyst Ichthyophthirus multifiliis