Neosporidia is a single-celled parasite that infects many different animals. The word is spelled phonetically, with the "neo" prefix indicating "new," and the suffix "sporidia" referring to its reproductive structures called sporozoites. It is pronounced nee-oh-spoh-rid-ee-uh, with emphasis on the middle syllable. The "eo" combination is pronounced as a long "e" sound, while the "sp" and "rid" sounds are pronounced together as a blend, making the word roll off the tongue with ease.
Neosporidia refers to a group of single-celled parasites belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa, which includes various intracellular parasitic organisms. These parasites are characterized by possessing an apical complex, a specialized structure at the apex of their cells that is involved in the attachment and invasion of host cells. Neosporidia parasites are primarily known for their ability to infect a wide range of animal species, particularly mammals, and cause significant disease.
Neosporidia are notorious for causing neosporosis, a parasitic disease in animals that results in various reproductive disorders. Neosporosis primarily affects cattle and dogs, although it has been reported in other domestic and wild animals as well. The parasites are typically transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food, water, or placental tissue, or through vertical transmission from an infected mother to offspring.
The effects of neosporosis can vary depending on the species and the stage of pregnancy at which the infection occurs. In pregnant animals, Neosporidia can cause abortion, stillbirth, or the birth of weak and underdeveloped calves or puppies. In non-pregnant animals, the infection can lead to neurological symptoms, muscular weakness, and other clinical manifestations.
Due to the substantial economic impact of neosporosis on livestock production and its potential for zoonotic transmission, the study of Neosporidia parasites and the development of diagnostic methods, prevention strategies, and treatments are of great importance in veterinary medicine and public health.
A class of Sporozoa in which sporulation occurs without the loss of individuality of the parent cell.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Neosporidia" is a scientific term that refers to a group of parasitic protozoa. The etymology of the word can be broken down as follows:
1. Neo-: In Greek, "neo-" (νέος) means "new" or "young". It is a common prefix in scientific terminology, often indicating something novel or recently discovered.
2. -sporidia: The suffix "-sporidia" is derived from the Greek word "spora" (σπορά), meaning "seed" or "spore". In taxonomy, this ending is used to denote a class of parasites that have reproductive spores or structures.
By combining "neo-" with "-sporidia", the term "Neosporidia" indicates a group of newly categorized parasites with spores or spore-like structures.