Parasitic Protozoa Phylum Apicomplexa Quiz

What is the main host of Cryptosporidium spp.?

Which group of people is most at risk for serious disease due to Cryptosporidium infections?

In which part of the intestines do Cryptosporidium spp. infect?

What is the main route of infection by Cryptosporidium parvum?

Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with Cryptosporidiosis in healthy adults?

What is the main outcome of fertilization in Cryptosporidium parvum?

Where do Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts usually appear during fecal wet mount preparation?

Eimeria tenella

Infection occurs through ingestion of food and water contaminated with oocysts.
Eimeria tenella resides in the intestinal caecum epithelium of chickens, leading to tissue destruction.
Significant health impacts, particularly in young birds, can lead to high mortality rates.
Annually, millions of dollars are spent on prevention strategies against Eimeria infections.

Toxoplasmosis

First identified in 1908 from a desert rodent (Gondi) in Tunis.
Zoonotic disease with a worldwide presence affecting mammals, birds, and humans.
Functions as an intracellular parasite targeting muscle, intestinal epithelium, and various tissues.
Estimated 60 million cases reported in the USA, with the majority being asymptomatic.
Sporozoites penetrate the intestinal wall, spreading through circulation, and can invade seminal vesicles, causing damage to sperm-forming cells (blastophores).

Monocystis lumbrici

Characterized by a complex life cycle involving repeated multiple fission, encompassing oocysts, sporozoites, and gametocytes.
Trophozoites adhere to earthworm sperm tails, highlighting the parasite's presence in earthworm seminal vesicles.
Sporozoites are integral to the life cycle, allowing for propagation and infection within the host.

Test your knowledge on parasitic protozoa belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa. Learn about Eimeria tenella infection, transmission via oocysts ingestion, and the life cycle involving sporozoites. Challenge yourself with questions related to these parasitic organisms.