''Besnoitia besnoiti'' is an
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. T ...
n
protozoa
Protozoa (singular: protozoan or protozoon; alternative plural: protozoans) are a group of single-celled eukaryotes, either free-living or parasitic, that feed on organic matter such as other microorganisms or organic tissues and debris. Histo ...
n
parasite
Parasitism is a close relationship between species, where one organism, the parasite, lives on or inside another organism, the host, causing it some harm, and is adapted structurally to this way of life. The entomologist E. O. Wilson has ...
, closely related to ''
Toxoplasma gondii
''Toxoplasma gondii'' () is an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan (specifically an apicomplexan) that causes toxoplasmosis. Found worldwide, ''T. gondii'' is capable of infecting virtually all warm-blooded animals, but felids, such as d ...
'' and ''
Neospora caninum
''Neospora caninum'' is a coccidian parasite that was identified as a species in 1988. Prior to this, it was misclassified as ''Toxoplasma gondii'' due to structural similarities. The genome sequence of ''Neospora caninum'' has been determined by ...
,''
''.'' It is part of a larger genus ''
Besnoiti'' affecting multiple animal species, but ''Besnoita besnoiti, can affect
livestock
Livestock are the domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting to provide labor and produce diversified products for consumption such as meat, eggs, milk, fur, leather, and wool. The term is sometimes used to refer solely to animals ...
. and more'' specifically
cattle
Cattle (''Bos taurus'') are large, domesticated, cloven-hooved, herbivores. They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae and the most widespread species of the genus ''Bos''. Adult females are referred to as cows and adult mal ...
as intermediate host,
although some specific
antibodies
An antibody (Ab), also known as an immunoglobulin (Ig), is a large, Y-shaped protein used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects such as pathogenic bacteria and viruses. The antibody recognizes a unique molecule of the ...
have been found in roe deer and red deer.
The biological cycle of the parasite remains unknown, it is suggested however that a carnivore, or more specifically the red fox, might be the
definitive host
In biology and medicine, a host is a larger organism that harbours a smaller organism; whether a parasitic, a mutualistic, or a commensalist ''guest'' (symbiont). The guest is typically provided with nourishment and shelter. Examples include a ...
.
Geographical area
The origin of the disease seems to be difficult to specify, as there has been little attention to it until the end of the 20th century. It seems to be endemic from south of Europe, or maybe sub-Saharan countries.
The disease has spread rapidly in the beginning of the 21st century, expanding its range to multiple continents. In Europe, it did spread from the south to cases being detected in multiple more northern countries like Germany or Belgium.
Pathology: bovine besnoitiosis
''Besnoitia besnoiti'', is responsible for 2 sequential phases of disease: an acute phase, followed by a chronic phase. The acute phase can be lethal or lead to infertility or sterility of males.
The symptoms range from fever, anorexia, depression, followed by vascular disorder. The chronic phase can cause a wide range of skin lesions. Unfortunately, no vaccines or therapeutic tools exist yet to halt its progress.
Genetics
This species has roughly 8,500 genes spread out over 13 chromosomes.
References
Further reading
Conoidasida
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