What is microsporidia?

Microsporidia. Microsporidia are a group of spore -forming unicellular parasites. They were once considered protozoans or protists, but are now known to be fungi, or a sister group to fungi. Loosely 1500 of the probably more than one million species are named now. Microsporidia are restricted to animal hosts,…

Is microsporidian a hyperparasite?

In that case, the microsporidian species is a hyperparasite, i.e. a parasite of a parasite. As an example, more than eighteen species are known which parasitize digeneans (parasitic flatworms ).

Are microsporidia a Biodefense pathogen?

Identification of microsporidia in water sources has led to their inclusion in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Contaminant Candidate List 2, as well as classification by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as Category B biodefense pathogens.

What is microsporidia with polar filament extended?

Microsporidia with polar filament extended. Microsporidia are obligate intracellular, spore-forming parasitic fungi. They are capable of infecting many species of animals. In humans, they can infect many organs, including the eye.