Hexamita

Hexamita is a genus of parasitic diplomonads. It is related to Giardia. H. columbae and H. meleagridis live in the intestines of birds. H. muris and H. pitheci live in the intestines of mammals. H. salmonis and H. truttae live in the intestines of fish.

Hexamita
Retortamonas (Retortamonadida), on left; Hexamita, on center, and Giardia, on right (both Diplomonadida)
Scientific classification
Domain:
Eukaryota
(unranked):
Excavata
Phylum:
Metamonada
Order:
Diplomonadida
Family:
Hexamitidae
Genus:
Hexamita

Dujardin, 1838
Species

Hexamita columbae
Hexamita meleagridis
Hexamita muris
Hexamita pitheci
Hexamita salmonis
Hexamita truttae

The genus also includes the species Hexamita inflata.[1]

It is believed that Hexamita parasites are one possible cause for head and lateral line erosion ("hole-in-the-head disease") in aquarium fishes.

References
  1. Moon T, Wilkinson JM, Cavanagh HM (November 2006). "Antiparasitic activity of two Lavandula essential oils against Giardia duodenalis, Trichomonas vaginalis and Hexamita inflata". Parasitol. Res. 99 (6): 722–8. doi:10.1007/s00436-006-0234-8. PMID 16741725.


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