Description and Size
Overview
Apicomplexans are protists that are all parasitic. They are characterized by specialized organelles found on the tips of the cells. These organelles contain enzymes that can break open and penetrate host cells. The most common Apicomplexan is Plasmodium, which causes malaria.
Example Apicomplexans
Gregarines
Gregarines are a diverse group of Apicomplexan parasites that inhabit the intestines, coeloms and reproductive vesicles of marine, freshwater and terrestrial invertebrates.
Toxoplasmosis
Is considered to be a leading cause of death attributed to foodborne illness in the United States. More than 60 million men, women, and children in the U.S. carry the Toxoplasma parasite, but very few have symptoms because the immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. However, women newly infected with Toxoplasma during pregnancy and anyone with a compromised immune system should be aware that toxoplasmosis can have severe consequences. It can be found in raw and undercooked meat; unwashed fruits and vegetables; contaminated water; dust; soil; dirty cat-litter boxes; and outdoor places where cat feces can be found. Cats get this parasite by eating small animals or raw meat that’s infected. The parasite is then passed on through the cat’s feces. It doesn’t make the cat sick, so you may not know if your cat has the parasite.
You can become exposed to T. gondii by accidental ingestion of contaminated cat feces, which can occur if you touch your hands to your mouth after gardening, cleaning a litter box, or touching anything that comes in contact with cat feces. Over time, the parasite can enter your blood stream. It usually takes about a week. If you become pregnant while the parasite is still in your blood, it can pass through the placenta to your unborn child.
Plasmodium
Causes malaria, which is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented. About 1,500 cases of malaria are diagnosed in the United States each year. The vast majority of cases in the United States are in travelers and immigrants returning from countries where malaria transmission occurs, many from sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Malaria Life Cycle Animation (1:10)