Section II. CLASS PIROPLASMASIDA
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CLASS
Members of Class Piroplasmasida, genus Babesia are characterized by bodies
which are small, pyriform to ameboid. They possess no spores, flagella, or cilia.
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FUNCTION
The reproduction is asexual by cell division or schizogony. In the life cycle, ticks
are used as vectors. In some publications, these organisms are placed in the Class
Sporozoa.
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PARASITIC MEMBER OF CLASS PIROPLASMASIDA
ORGANISM 1--CLASS Piroplasmasida--Genus Babesia
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
COMMON NAME: Redwater fever; piroplasmosis; babesiosis.
PATHOGENESIS: Many species are pathogenic to vertebrates; over one hundred
cases in humans (splenectomized persons are most susceptible); could be fatal.
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Most cases from Nantucket Island, Massachusetts.
HABITAT: Intracellar in RBCs.
INTERMEDIATE HOST: vertebrates; man.
RESERVOIR HOST:
TICKS: Definitive host, vector.
VERTEBRATES: Intermediate host.
INFECTIVE FORM TO MAN: Vermicle.
MODE OF INFECTION: Injection.
LABORATORY IDENTIFICATION:
SPECIMEN OF CHOICE: Blood.
MD0842
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