''Isospora'' is a genus of internal

parasite Parasitism is a Symbiosis, close relationship between species, where one organism, the parasite, lives (at least some of the time) on or inside another organism, the Host (biology), host, causing it some harm, and is Adaptation, adapted str ...

s in the subclass

Coccidia 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 a ...

. It is responsible for the condition

isosporiasis Isosporiasis, also known as cystoisosporiasis, is a human intestinal disease caused by the parasite '' Cystoisospora belli'' (previously known as ''Isospora belli''). It is found worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. Infection o ...

, which causes acute, non-bloody diarrhoea in immunocompromised individuals.

Taxonomy

At least 248 species were originally described in this genus. For instance, the

house sparrow The house sparrow (''Passer domesticus'') is a bird of the Old World sparrow, sparrow family Passeridae, found in most parts of the world. It is a small bird that has a typical length of and a mass of . Females and young birds are coloured pa ...

has 12 species of ''Isospora''. However, most species are little studied, and some authors doubt whether all should be recognized as distinct species. In 2005, all former ''Isospora'' species that infect mammalian hosts were reclassified as members of the genus ''

Cystoisospora ''Cystoisospora'' is a genus of parasitic alveolates belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa. Taxonomy This genus was originally created by J. K. Frenkel in 1977. Its use was discontinued but was resurrected in 2005. This genus currently includes sp ...

'', a member of the

Sarcocystidae The Sarcocystidae are a family of Apicomplexa associated with a variety of diseases in humans and other animals. Taxonomy Genera in this family include: * '' Besnoitia'' * '' Cystoisospora'' * '' Frenkelia'' * '' Nephroisospora'' * '' Neospora ...

family.

References

External links

* Apicomplexa genera Conoidasida {{Apicomplexa-stub