 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source .(February 2025) |
| Aikinetocystidae | |
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| Family: | Aikinetocystidae |
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The Aikinetocystidae are a family of parasitic alveolates in the phylum Apicomplexa. The species in this family infect oligochaetes.
This family was created in 1930 by Bhatia. [1]
Two genera are recognised in this family - Aikinetocystis and Nellocystis .
The species in this family infect the coelom of oligochaetes. They are spread by the oral-faecal route. The trophozoite is aseptate. The gamont is sac-like and extends at one end into two branches which divide dichotomously, forming eight to 16 secondary branches bearing groups of suckers. The oocysts are biconical (fusiform).