Sporozoites
Sporozoites (/spɔːrəˈzoʊ.aɪts/) are the cellular form of parasites that are formed in the oocysts of certain species of protozoa, specifically within the Apicomplexa phylum. The term "sporozoite" is derived from the Greek words "spora" meaning seed and "zoon" meaning animal.
Life Cycle
Sporozoites are produced by the asexual reproduction process known as sporogony which occurs in the oocyst of the parasite. Once mature, sporozoites leave the oocyst and enter the bloodstream of the host organism. They then invade the cells of the host, where they reproduce and form new oocysts.
Role in Disease
Sporozoites play a crucial role in the life cycle of many parasitic diseases, including malaria, toxoplasmosis, and cryptosporidiosis. In the case of malaria, sporozoites are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once in the human body, the sporozoites travel to the liver where they invade the liver cells and reproduce, initiating the symptomatic phase of the disease.
Related Terms
- Oocyst: The protective structure in which sporozoites are formed.
- Sporogony: The asexual reproduction process that produces sporozoites.
- Apicomplexa: The phylum of protozoa that includes the parasites that produce sporozoites.
- Malaria: A disease caused by a parasite that uses sporozoites in its life cycle.
- Toxoplasmosis: A disease caused by a parasite that uses sporozoites in its life cycle.
- Cryptosporidiosis: A disease caused by a parasite that uses sporozoites in its life cycle.
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