Eimeria (Noun)
Meaning
Parasitic on the digestive epithelium of vertebrates and higher invertebrates.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- Eimeria is a genus of protozoan parasites that infect the digestive epithelium of vertebrates and higher invertebrates, causing coccidiosis.
- The life cycle of Eimeria involves a complex series of stages, including sporulation, excavation, and schizogony, all of which occur within the host's digestive tract.
- Infection with Eimeria can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, weight loss, and mortality, particularly in young or immunocompromised animals.
- Eimeria parasites have a wide range of hosts, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and are often transmitted through the fecal-oral route.
- The oocysts of Eimeria are highly resistant to environmental stressors, such as temperature and humidity, and can remain viable for extended periods outside of a host.