Sarcocystis
Sarcocystis
Sarcocystis (pronounced: sar-koh-SIS-tis) is a genus of protozoa that parasitizes the muscles of most vertebrates, causing the disease sarcocystosis.
Etymology
The term "Sarcocystis" is derived from the Greek words "sarx" meaning flesh, and "kystis" meaning bladder. This refers to the characteristic cysts that form in the muscle tissue of the host organism.
Description
Sarcocystis is a parasite that infects a wide range of vertebrate hosts, including humans. The life cycle of Sarcocystis involves two hosts: a definitive host, which is typically a carnivore that ingests the parasite by eating infected meat, and an intermediate host, which is usually an herbivore that becomes infected by ingesting food or water contaminated with the definitive host's feces.
The parasite forms cysts in the muscle tissue of the intermediate host, which can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the species of Sarcocystis and the host organism. In humans, infection with Sarcocystis can cause sarcocystosis, a disease that can range from asymptomatic to severe, with symptoms including muscle pain, fever, and gastrointestinal issues.
Related Terms
- Sarcocystosis: The disease caused by infection with Sarcocystis.
- Protozoa: A diverse group of unicellular eukaryotic organisms, many of which are parasitic.
- Parasite: An organism that lives in or on an organism of another species (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the other's expense.
- Vertebrate: An animal of a large group distinguished by the possession of a backbone or spinal column, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sarcocystis
- Wikipedia's article - Sarcocystis
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