Lankesterella (Apicomplexa)

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Lankesterella
Scientific classification
Domain:
Eukaryota
(unranked):
Sar
(unranked):
Alveolata
Phylum:
Apicomplexa
Class:
Conoidasida
Subclass:
Coccidiasina
Order:
Eucoccidiorida
Suborder:
Eimeriorina
Family:
Lankesterellidae
Genus:
Lankesterella
Species

Lankesterella alencari
Lankesterella baznosanui
Lankesterella bufonis
Lankesterella hylae
Lankesterella millani
Lankesterella minima
Lankesterella valsainensis
Lankesterella macrovacuolata
Lankesterella vacuolata
Lankesterella petiti [1]
Lankesterella poeppigii
Lankesterella tritonis

Contents

Lankesterella is a genus in the phylum Apicomplexa. Species in this genus infect amphibians, reptiles [2] and birds. [3]

The type species is Lankesterella minima.

History

This genus was created by Labbe in 1899.

This genus is more commonly known as Atoxoplasma , it is a genus of parasitic alveolates in the phylum Apicomplexa. Atoxoplasma species in passerines are a group of organisms with intestinal and extraintestinal forms that can cause significant morbidity and mortality but are not transmissible by syringe.

These genera were united by Lainson in 1959. They were separated again by Levin in 1982. More commonly known as Atoxoplasma, it is a genus of parasitic alveolates in the phylum Apicomplexa. [4] Apicomplexans are obligate intracellular parasites that typically invade blood cells. They have a distinct feature called the apical complex which helps in the penetration of the parasite into the host cell. Atoxoplasma sp. in passerines is a group of organisms with intestinal and extraintestinal forms that can cause significant morbidity and mortality. [5] This latter name was coined by Garnham in 1950 for a group of parasites resembling Toxoplasma . Recent molecular studies revealed that some of the avian parasites which were initially thought to be Hepatozoon species were actually found to be closely related to the amphibian parasite Lankesterella minima. The apicomplexan genera Lankesterella and Schellackia were largely believed to form a monophyletic clade within the family Lankesterellidae. However, phylogenetic analyses revealed they have an independent evolutionary origin. [6] Morphological identification is clearly not enough due to the many errors that occur in identification and hence the need for DNA barcoding for precise identification of the target species. [7]

Description

Lankesterella are extra-intestinal coccidia that invades the host blood. Criteria for the specific differentiation of Lankesterella are limited due to the fact that they are much similar in morphology with other apicomplexans such as Isosporas and hepatazoons. The most commonly described stages are the sporozoites found in the peripheral blood erythrocytes. Despite considerable structural divergences that have been observed among the sporozoite shapes, a system for taxonomic differentiation has not been developed. Descriptions of the stages developing in the viscera are less available as they require necropsy of the host. Lankesterella species are commonly known in amphibians and reptiles, but in recent times it has been found to also infect avian species. The oocysts usually contain more than 32 sporozoites. There are no sporocysts.

Life cycle

In the species that infect amphibians, the vectors are leeches. However, the lifecycle in avian species is still unknown since they have similar blood stages to other related apicomplexans such as hepatozoons and isosporas.

The fact that Lankesterella and Schellackia is nested within the same paraphyletic Eimeriidae makes the lifecycle of these parasites to be considered as an evolutionary novelty. Transmission is by a blood-sucking vector that exerts a mechanical role in the transmission between hosts. The infective stages of the parasite remain completely dormant in the vectors without any development. [8] Transmission in amphibians and reptiles occurs by blood-sucking arthropods such as leeches (intermediate hosts) or through the consumption of another definitive host (a snake eating an infected rat) [9] and transmission is avian species is still unknown. This uncertainty is due to the fact that further investigations into the life cycle and the use of molecular tools for the identification of different species remain important in order to better understand the biology of the lankesterella species. [10]


The sporozoites invade macrophages or endothelial cells. After development there, they invade circulating blood cells. The sporozoites may also invade liver parenchyma or tissue macrophages. A quite distinct feature of the parasite is that it invades the leukocytes in birds and erythrocytes in amphibians and reptiles

Host records

Vertebrate

Parasite species unknown

Vector

Synonyms

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Apicomplexa</span> Phylum of parasitic alveolates

The Apicomplexa are organisms of a large phylum of mainly parasitic alveolates. Most possess a unique form of organelle structure that comprises a type of non-photosynthetic plastid called an apicoplast—with an apical complex membrane. The organelle's apical shape is an adaptation that the apicomplexan applies in penetrating a host cell.

<i>Plasmodium</i> Genus of parasitic protists that can cause malaria

Plasmodium is a genus of unicellular eukaryotes that are obligate parasites of vertebrates and insects. The life cycles of Plasmodium species involve development in a blood-feeding insect host which then injects parasites into a vertebrate host during a blood meal. Parasites grow within a vertebrate body tissue before entering the bloodstream to infect red blood cells. The ensuing destruction of host red blood cells can result in malaria. During this infection, some parasites are picked up by a blood-feeding insect, continuing the life cycle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coccidia</span> Subclass of protists

Coccidia (Coccidiasina) are a subclass of microscopic, spore-forming, single-celled obligate intracellular parasites belonging to the apicomplexan class Conoidasida. As obligate intracellular parasites, they must live and reproduce within an animal cell. Coccidian parasites infect the intestinal tracts of animals, and are the largest group of apicomplexan protozoa.

<i>Hepatozoon</i> Genus of single-celled organisms

Hepatozoon is a genus of Apicomplexa alveolates which incorporates over 300 species of obligate intraerythrocytic parasites. Species have been described from all groups of tetrapod vertebrates, as well as a wide range of haematophagous arthropods, which serve as both the vectors and definitive hosts of the parasite. By far the most biodiverse and prevalent of all haemogregarines, the genus is distinguished by its unique reciprocal trophic lifecycle which lacks the salivary transmission between hosts commonly associated with other apicomplexans. While particularly prevalent in amphibians and reptiles, the genus is more well known in veterinary circles for causing a tick-borne disease called hepatozoonosis in some mammals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gregarinasina</span> Subclass of protists

The gregarines are a group of Apicomplexan alveolates, classified as the Gregarinasina or Gregarinia. The large parasites inhabit the intestines of many invertebrates. They are not found in any vertebrates. Gregarines are closely related to both Toxoplasma and Plasmodium, which cause toxoplasmosis and malaria, respectively. Both protists use protein complexes similar to those that are formed by the gregarines for gliding motility and for invading target cells. This makes the gregarines excellent models for studying gliding motility, with the goal of developing treatment options for both toxoplasmosis and malaria. Thousands of different species of gregarine are expected to be found in insects, and 99% of these gregarine species still need to be described. Each insect species can be the host of multiple gregarine species. One of the most-studied gregarines is Gregarina garnhami. In general, gregarines are regarded as a very successful group of parasites, as their hosts are distributed over the entire planet.

<i>Leucocytozoon</i> Genus of protists

Leucocytozoon is a genus of parasitic alveolates belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eucoccidiorida</span> Order of microscopic, spore-forming, single-celled parasites in the apicomplex phylum

The Eucoccidiorida are an order of microscopic, spore-forming, single-celled parasites belonging to the apicomplexan class Conoidasida. Protozoans of this order include parasites of humans, and both domesticated and wild animals including birds. Among these parasites are the Toxoplasma gondii that cause toxoplasmosis and Isospora belli, which results in isosporiasis.

<i>Haemoproteus</i> Genus of single-celled organisms

Haemoproteus is a genus of alveolates that are parasitic in birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Its name is derived from Greek: haima 'blood' and Proteus, a sea god that had the power to assume various shapes. The name Haemoproteus was first used in the description of H. columbae in the blood of the pigeon Columba livia by Walther Kruse in 1890. This was also the first description of this genus. Two other genera—Halteridium and Simondia—are now considered to be synonyms of Haemoproteus.

Hematozoa is a subclass of blood parasites of the Apicomplexa clade. Well known examples include the Plasmodium spp. which cause malaria in humans and Theileria which causes theileriosis in cattle. A large number of species are known to infect birds and are transmitted by insect vectors. The pattern in which Haematozoa infect a host cell depends on the genera of the blood parasite. Plasmodium and Leucozytozoon displace the nucleus of the host cell so that the parasite can take control of the cell where as Hemoproteus completely envelops the nucleus in a host cell.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adeleorina</span> Suborder of microscopic, spore-forming, single-celled parasites in the aplcomplex phylum

Adeleorina is a suborder of parasites in the phylum Apicomplexa.

Polychromophilus is a genus of obligate intracellular eukaryotic parasites that infect bats from every continent except Antarctica. They are transmitted by bat flies, which act as an insect vector as well as the parasite’s site of sporogeny. Polychromophilus follows a fairly typical Haemospororidian lifecycle, with gametocytes and gametes restricted to the bloodstream of the host and meronts infecting organs – most notably the lungs and the liver. The type species is Polychromophilus melanipherus, and was described by Dionisi in 1898.

Haemosporidiasina (Haemosporidia) is a subclass of apicomplexans described by Jacques Euzéby in 1988. The taxon is very similar to Aconoidasida.

Garnia is a genus of parasitic alveolates belonging to the phylum Apicomplexia.

<i>Cyclospora</i> Genus of single-celled organisms

Cyclospora is a genus of apicomplexan parasites. It includes the species Cyclospora cayetanensis, the causative agent of cyclosporiasis. Members of Cyclospora are characterized as having oocysts with two sporocysts, each containing two sporozoites.

<i>Hemolivia</i> Genus of single-celled organisms

Hemolivia is a genus of the phylum Apicomplexia.

The genus Schellackia comprises obligate unicellular eukaryotic parasites within the phylum Apicomplexa, and infects numerous species of lizards and amphibians worldwide. Schellackia is transmitted via insect vectors, primarily mites and mosquitoes, which take up the parasite in blood meals. These vectors then subsequently infect reptilian and amphibian which consume the infected insects. The parasites deform erythrocytes of the host into crescents, and can be visualized using a blood smear.

<i>Cystoisospora</i> Genus of single-celled organisms

Cystoisospora is a genus of parasitic alveolates belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa.

Atoxoplasma is a genus of parasitic alveolates in the phylum Apicomplexa. The species in this genus infect birds. They are spread by the orofaecal route.

Hyaloklossia is a genus of parasitic alveolates in the phylum Apicomplexa. Only two species in this genus are currently recognised.

<i>Bartazoon</i> Genus of single-celled organisms

Bartazoon is a genus of parasitic alveolates in the phylum Apicomplexa.

References

  1. ↑ Lainson, R.; Paperna, I. (1995). "Light and electron microscope study of a Lankesterella petiti n. sp., (Apicomplexa: Lankesterellidae) infecting Bufo marinus (Amphibia: Anura) in Pará, North Brazil". Parasite. 2 (3): 307–313. doi: 10.1051/parasite/1995023307 . ISSN   1252-607X.
  2. ↑ Paperna, I.; Ogara, W. (2014). "Description and ultrastructure of Lankesterella species infecting frogs in Kenya". Parasite. 3 (4): 341–349. doi: 10.1051/parasite/1996034341 . ISSN   1252-607X.
  3. ↑ Chagas, Carolina Romeiro Fernandes; Harl, Josef; Preikša, Vytautas; Bukauskaitė, Dovilė; Ilgūnas, Mikas; Weissenböck, Herbert; Valkiūnas, Gediminas (2021). "Lankesterella (Apicomplexa, Lankesterellidae) Blood Parasites of Passeriform Birds: Prevalence, Molecular and Morphological Characterization, with Notes on Sporozoite Persistence in Vivo and Development in Vitro". Animals. 11 (5): 1451. doi: 10.3390/ANI11051451 . PMC   8158525 . PMID   34070187.
  4. ↑ Lainson, R. (1959). "Atoxoplasma Garnham, 1950, as a synonym for Lankesterella Labbé, 1899. Its life cycle in the English sparrow ( Passer domesticus domesticus , Linn.)". The Journal of Protozoology. 6 (4): 360–371. doi:10.1111/J.1550-7408.1959.TB04385.X.
  5. ↑ Schrenzel, Mark D.; Maalouf, Gabriel A.; Gaffney, Patricia M.; Tokarz, Debra; Keener, Laura L.; McClure, Diane; Griffey, Stephen; McAloose, D.; Rideout, Bruce A. (2005). "Molecular Characterization of Isosporoid Coccidia (Isospora and Atoxoplasma SPP.) in Passerine Birds". Journal of Parasitology. 91 (3): 635–647. doi:10.1645/GE-3310. PMID   16108559.
  6. ↑ Megía-Palma, Rodrigo; Martínez, Javier; Merino, Santiago (2014). "Molecular characterization of haemococcidia genus Schellackia (Apicomplexa) reveals the polyphyletic origin of the family Lankesterellidae". Zoologica Scripta. 43 (3): 304–312. doi:10.1111/zsc.12050.
  7. ↑ Merino, Santiago; Martínez, Javier; Martínez-de la Puente, Josué; Criado-Fornelio, Ángel; Tomás, Gustavo; Morales, Judith; Lobato, Elisa; García-Fraile, Sonia (2006). "MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF THE 18S rDNA GENE OF AN AVIAN HEPATOZOON REVEALS THAT IT IS CLOSELY RELATED TO LANKESTERELLA". Journal of Parasitology. 92 (6): 1330–1335. doi:10.1645/GE-860R.1. PMID   17304816.
  8. ↑ Megía-Palma, Rodrigo; Martínez, Javier; Paranjpe, Dhanashree; d'Amico, Verónica; Aguilar, Rocío; Palacios, María Gabriela; Cooper, Robert; Ferri-Yáñez, Francisco; Sinervo, Barry; Merino, Santiago (2017). "Phylogenetic analyses reveal that Schellackia parasites (Apicomplexa) detected in American lizards are closely related to the genus Lankesterella: Is the range of Schellackia restricted to the Old World?". Parasites & Vectors. 10 (1): 470. doi: 10.1186/s13071-017-2405-0 . PMC   5633878 . PMID   29017602.
  9. ↑ Chagas, Carolina Romeiro Fernandes; Harl, Josef; Preikša, Vytautas; Bukauskaitė, Dovilė; Ilgūnas, Mikas; Weissenböck, Herbert; Valkiūnas, Gediminas (2021). "Lankesterella (Apicomplexa, Lankesterellidae) Blood Parasites of Passeriform Birds: Prevalence, Molecular and Morphological Characterization, with Notes on Sporozoite Persistence in Vivo and Development in Vitro". Animals. 11 (5): 1451. doi: 10.3390/ANI11051451 . PMC   8158525 . PMID   34070187.
  10. ↑ Smith, Todd G. (1996). "The Genus Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa: Adeleina)". The Journal of Parasitology. 82 (4): 565–585. doi:10.2307/3283781. JSTOR   3283781. PMID   8691364.
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