Abstract
Simple SummaryTaxonomic classification of haemogregarines belonging to Apicomplexa can become difficult when the information about the life cycle stages is not available. Using a self-reporting, we record different haemogregarine species infecting various animal categories and exploring the most systematic features for each life cycle stage. The keystone in the classification of any species of haemogregarines is related to the sporogonic cycle more than other stages of schizogony and gamogony. Molecular approaches are excellent tools that enabled the identification of apicomplexan parasites by clarifying their evolutionary relationships.Apicomplexa is a phylum that includes all parasitic protozoa sharing unique ultrastructural features. Haemogregarines are sophisticated apicomplexan blood parasites with an obligatory heteroxenous life cycle and haplohomophasic alternation of generations. Haemogregarines are common blood parasites of fish, amphibians, lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises, crocodilians, birds, and mammals. Haemogregarine ultrastructure has been so far examined only for stages from the vertebrate host. PCR-based assays and the sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene are helpful methods to further characterize this parasite group. The proper classification for the haemogregarine complex is available with the criteria of generic and unique diagnosis of these parasites.
Highlights
Simple Summary: Taxonomic classification of haemogregarines belonging to Apicomplexa can become difficult when the information about the life cycle stages is not available
Haemogregarines (Figure 2) are ubiquitous adeleorine apicomplexan protists inhabiting the blood cells of a variety of ectothermic and some endothermic vertebrates [2,3,4]. They have an obligatory heteroxenous life cycle (Figure 3), where asexual multiplication occurs in the vertebrate host; while sexual reproduction occurs in the hematophagous invertebrate vector [5]
Barta [11] conducted a phylogenetic analysis of representative genera in phylum Apicomplexa using biological and morphological features to infer evolutionary relationships in this phylum among the widely recognized groups
Summary
Simple Summary: Taxonomic classification of haemogregarines belonging to Apicomplexa can become difficult when the information about the life cycle stages is not available. Haemogregarines (Figure 2) are ubiquitous adeleorine apicomplexan protists inhabiting the blood cells of a variety of ectothermic and some endothermic vertebrates [2,3,4] They have an obligatory heteroxenous life cycle (Figure 3), where asexual multiplication occurs in the vertebrate host; while sexual reproduction occurs in the hematophagous invertebrate vector [5]. This family contains four genera, according to Levine [6]: Haemogregarina Danilewsky [7], Karyolysus Labbé [8], Hepatozoon Miller [9], and Cyrilia Lainson [10]. Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
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