Elleipsisoma Explained

Elleipsisoma is a genus of parasites within the phylum Apicomplexia.

History

This parasite was described in 1912 by Franca. This genus may have been described earlier by Graham-Smith^[1]

The type species is Elleipsisoma thomsoni

Hosts

This parasite infects the European mole (Talpa europaea). It is most commonly found in the heart and lungs. It may occasionally be found in the kidneys, liver and spleen.

Geographical distribution

This parasite is found in the United Kingdom.

Description

Parasitized red cells were larger than normal mature erythrocytes

Electron microscopic studies have shown the presence of rhoptries, micronemes, polar ring, microtubules and a conoid.^[2]

Vectors

Possible vectors include the mites Eulaelaps stabularis, Haemogamasus hirsutus and Haemogamasus nidi.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Graham-Smith GS . A New Form of Parasite found in the Red Blood Corpuscles of Moles . J Hyg (Lond) . 5 . 4 . 453–9 . 1905 . 20474234 . 2236097 . 3858956 . 10.1017/S0022172400006768.
2. Mohamed HA, Molyneux DH . Elleipsisoma thomsoni Franca, 1912: an Apicomplexan parasite in the red blood cells of the mole (Talpa europaea) . Parasitology . 89 . 3 . 407–415 . 1984 . 6514376 . 10.1017/S0031182000056651.
3. Mohamed HA, Molyneux DH, Wallbanks KR . A coccidian in haemogamasid mites; possible vectors of Elleipsisoma thomsoni Franca, 1912 . Ann Parasitol Hum Comp . 62 . 2 . 107–116 . 1987 . 3592490 . 10.1051/parasite/1987622107 . free .