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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>== Apicomplexan Life Cycle ==<br />
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[[file:Apicomplexa_structure.svg|thumb|Apicomplexa structure]] <br />
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The '''apicomplexan life cycle''' is a complex series of developmental stages that occur in the life of organisms belonging to the phylum [[Apicomplexa]]. These protozoan parasites are known for their intricate life cycles, which often involve multiple hosts and both sexual and asexual reproduction phases.<br />
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[[file:Babesia_life_cycle_human_en.svg|thumb|Babesia life cycle human en|left]] <br />
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=== General Overview ===<br />
Apicomplexans are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they must live and reproduce within the cells of a host organism. The life cycle of apicomplexans typically includes the following stages:<br />
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* '''Sporozoite''': The infective stage that is transmitted to a new host.<br />
* '''Merozoite''': The stage that invades host cells and undergoes asexual reproduction.<br />
* '''Gametocyte''': The sexual stage that differentiates into male and female gametes.<br />
* '''Zygote''': The fertilized cell that undergoes meiosis to produce new sporozoites.<br />
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=== Key Stages ===<br />
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[[file:Eimeria_life_cycle_usda.jpg|thumb|Eimeria life cycle usda]]<br />
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==== Sporozoite ====<br />
The sporozoite is the stage that initiates infection in a new host. It is typically introduced into the host through a vector, such as a mosquito in the case of [[Plasmodium]] species, which cause [[malaria]]. Once inside the host, sporozoites travel to specific tissues, such as the liver in [[Plasmodium]] infections, where they invade host cells and begin the next stage of their life cycle.<br />
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[[file:Ookinete,_sporozoite,_merozoite.png|thumb|Ookinete, sporozoite, merozoite|left]] <br />
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==== Merozoite ====<br />
After invading host cells, sporozoites transform into merozoites. This stage is characterized by rapid asexual reproduction, known as schizogony, resulting in the production of numerous merozoites. These merozoites are then released from the host cell to infect new cells, perpetuating the cycle of infection and increasing the parasite load within the host.<br />
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==== Gametocyte ====<br />
Some merozoites differentiate into gametocytes, the sexual stage of the apicomplexan life cycle. Gametocytes are taken up by a vector during a blood meal, where they mature into male and female gametes. This stage is crucial for the transmission of the parasite to new hosts.<br />
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[[file:Parasite140105-fig3_Toxoplasmosis_in_a_bar-shouldered_dove_-_TEM_of_2_tachyzoites.tif|thumb|Parasite140105-fig3 Toxoplasmosis in a bar-shouldered dove - TEM of 2 tachyzoites]] <br />
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==== Zygote ====<br />
Fertilization occurs within the vector, resulting in the formation of a zygote. The zygote undergoes meiosis to produce new sporozoites, which migrate to the salivary glands of the vector, ready to be transmitted to a new host, thus completing the life cycle.<br />
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=== Host Interaction ===<br />
Apicomplexans have evolved various mechanisms to evade the host's immune system and ensure their survival and replication. These include antigenic variation, intracellular hiding, and manipulation of host cell functions.<br />
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=== Examples of Apicomplexan Parasites ===<br />
* [[Plasmodium]] species (causative agents of malaria)<br />
* [[Toxoplasma gondii]] (causative agent of [[toxoplasmosis]])<br />
* [[Cryptosporidium]] species (causative agents of [[cryptosporidiosis]])<br />
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== Related Pages ==<br />
* [[Apicomplexa]]<br />
* [[Plasmodium]]<br />
* [[Malaria]]<br />
* [[Toxoplasmosis]]<br />
* [[Cryptosporidiosis]]<br />
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[[Category:Apicomplexa]]<br />
[[Category:Parasitology]]<br />
[[Category:Protozoa]]<br />
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{{Apicomplexa-stub}}<br />
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