''Pythonella'' is a genus of parasitic alveolates belonging to the
phylum
In biology, a phylum (; plural: phyla) is a level of classification or taxonomic rank below kingdom and above class. Traditionally, in botany the term division has been used instead of phylum, although the International Code of Nomenclatu ...
Apicomplexa
The Apicomplexa (also called Apicomplexia) are a large phylum of parasitic alveolates. Most of them possess a unique form of organelle that comprises a type of non-photosynthetic plastid called an apicoplast, and an apical complex structure. The ...
. This genus was created by Ray and Das-Gupta in 1937.
The type species is ''Pythonella bengalensis''.
Taxonomy
This genus is very poorly studied with only three known species.
Life cycle
This species infects the gastrointestinal tract of birds and reptiles. Its life cycle is very poorly known but it is thought that is spread by the orofaecal route.
The parasite infects the cells of the gut wall. There are 16
sporocysts per
oocyst
Apicomplexans, a group of intracellular parasites, have life cycle stages that allow them to survive the wide variety of environments they are exposed to during their complex life cycle. Each stage in the life cycle of an apicomplexan organis ...
(heccaidesporocystid) with 4
sporozoite
Apicomplexans, a group of intracellular parasites, have life cycle stages that allow them to survive the wide variety of environments they are exposed to during their complex life cycle. Each stage in the life cycle of an apicomplexan organism is ...
s (tetrazoic) in each. Once shed from the body sporulation starts in 7 to 10 days.
Species in this genus have been isolated from Brazil, Costa Rica and India.
Host records
* ''P. bengalensis'' - ''
Python'' species
* ''P. scelopori'' - lizard
* ''P. scleruri'' - rufous breasted leaftosser (''
Sclerurus scansor
The rufous-breasted leaftosser (''Sclerurus scansor'') is a species of bird in the family Furnariidae. It is found in Brazil and eastern Paraguay. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical ...
'')
References
Apicomplexa genera
{{Apicomplexa-stub