1) Taxonomy
- Class: Sporozoa
- Subclass: Coccidia
- Order: Eucoccidia
- Family: Eimeriidae
- Genus: _Plasmodium_, _Toxoplasma_, _Cryptosporidium_, _Isospora_, _Sarcocystis_
2) Habitat in Man
- Erythrocytes: _Plasmodium falciparum_, _P. vivax_, _P. ovale_, _P. malariae_
- Intestinal epithelium: _Isospora belli_, _Cyclospora cayetanensis_
- Macrophages: _Toxoplasma gondii_, _Cryptosporidium parvum_
- Skeletal and cardiac muscle: _Sarcocystis_ species
- Brain: _Encephalitozoon_ species, _Microsporidium_ species
3) Pathogenicity
Malaria (Plasmodium species)
- Life-threatening disease with high mortality rates
- Clinical symptoms: fever, chills, sweating, headache, muscle aches, anemia
Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii)
- Can cause congenital infections in pregnant women, leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth defects
- In immunocompromised individuals, can cause encephalitis (brain infection)
Cryptosporidiosis (Cryptosporidium parvum)
- Causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea
- Can lead to severe dehydration and malnutrition
Isosporiasis (Isospora belli)
- Causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss
- Can be self-limiting or chronic
Sarcocystosis (Sarcocystis species)
- Most commonly causes muscle pain and weakness
- In some cases, can cause heart failure or brain damage
Encephalitozoonosis (Encephalitozoon species)
- Can cause encephalitis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals
- Symptoms can include confusion, seizures, and weakness
Microsporidiosis (Microsporidium species)
- Can cause a variety of symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and respiratory problems
- Particularly common in immunocompromised individuals