Syncystis

Syncystis is a genus of parasitic alveolates in the phylum Apicomplexa.

Syncystis
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
(unranked):	Sar
(unranked):	Alveolata
Phylum:	Apicomplexa
Class:	Conoidasida
Subclass:	Gregarinasina
Order:	Neogregarinorida
Family:	Syncystidae
Genus:	Syncystis
Species
Syncystis aeshnae Syncystis mirabilis

Species in this family infect insects (Aeshnidae).

History

This genus was described by Schneider in 1886.

Taxonomy

Two species are currently recognised in this family.[1]

The type species is Syncystis mirabilis Schneider 1886.

Lifecycle

The development of these parasites is mostly intracellular. Merogony results in the formation of about 150 elongate, slender merozoites which become spheroidal as they differentiate into amoeboid or spheroidal gamonts.

The gamonts associate in syzygy and subdivide into gametes.

Fusion of the gametes leads to numerous zygotes within the gametocyst which is either spherical or bilobed.

Numerous (30 to 150) oocysts are formed per gametocyst. The oocysts are navicular and have three or four spines extending from each pole of the wall.

Eight sporozoites form per oocyst.

References

1. Tuzet O, Manier JF (1953) Syncystis aeschnae n.sp. Néogrégarine (Schizogrégarine, Léger, 1900) parasite des larves d'Aeschna. Ann Nat Sci Zool IIe ser 15:241-246