sporozoites

(noun)

Any of the minute active bodies into which a sporozoan divides just before it infects a new host cell.

Related Terms

Examples of sporozoites in the following topics:

  • Cyclospora Diarrheal Infection

    • The oocyst is comprised of sporocytes which contain sporozoites.
    • Upon release of the sporozoites, the epithelial cells of the intestine are penetrated.
    • Within the intestinal cells, the sporozoites undergo multiple fission and develop into meronts which contain merozoites.
    • In the environment (2), sporulation occurs after days or weeks at temperatures between 22°C to 32°C, resulting in division of the sporont into two sporocysts, each containing two elongate sporozoites (3).
    • The oocysts excyst in the gastrointestinal tract, freeing the sporozoites which invade the epithelial cells of the small intestine (6).

  • Cryptosporidiosis

    • The oocysts, once ingested, excyst within the small intestine and release sporozoites which attach to the microvilli.
    • The sporozoites then develop into trophozoites and undergo asexual reproduction via schizogony.
    • The zygote further develops into the oocyst which can either reinfect the host by rupturing and releasing sporozoites or be excreted into the environment .

  • Babesiosis

    • During a blood meal, the tick introduces sporozoites into the mouse host.
    • The sporozoites enter the erythrocytes and undergo asexual reproduction as previously mentioned.
    • The gametes will unite and undergo a sporogonic cycle resulting in sporozoite.
    • The tick will introduce the sporozoites and the cycle will proceed.

  • Malaria

    • The Anopheles mosquito transmits the parasites, called sporozoites, upon biting the hosts, into the bloodstream to the liver, where the parasites continue their life cycle.
    • Malarial sporozoites develop inside oocysts and are released in large numbers into the hemocoel of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes.
    • This false-colored electron micrograph shows a sporozoite migrating through the cytoplasm of midgut epithelia.

  • Overview of Human-Microbial Reactions

    • Malarial sporozoites develop inside oocysts and are released in large numbers into the hemocoel of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes.
    • This false-colored electron micrograph shows a sporozoite migrating through the cytoplasm of midgut epithelia.