| Achromatorida | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Superphylum: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Subclass: | |
| Order: | Achromatorida
|
Achromatorida is an order of non pigmented intraerythrocytic parasitic protozoa belonging to the subclass Haemosporidiasina. The order was created by Jacques Euzéby in 1987.
These are minute rounded or pyriform parasites found within erythrocytes, or other circulating or endothelial cells of vertebrates.
The parasites reproduce by merogony without oocysts or spores.
The apical complex has a polar ring and rhopteries
A conoid is lacking and most species lack the associated pellicular microtubules.
Vectors include ticks and leeches.
Flagella are lacking
The trophozoite stage is separated from erythrocyte by single membrane (in the other groups there usually 2 or more).
It has two suborders and six families.
Suborder Babesiina: Agents of piroplasmosis sensu stricto with three families:
Family Anthemosomatidae:
Family Babesiidae: This family excludes species that undergo schizogony in lymphocytes before parasitizing erythrocytes which belong to the genus Theileria
Family Haemohormidiidae:
Suborder Theileriina: parasites of erythrocytes and diverse white blood cells with sexual reproduction by exoerythrocytic or by exo- and endoerythrocytic schizogony.
This suborder has three families: