Besnoitia besnoiti | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Clade: | Diaphoretickes |
Clade: | SAR |
Clade: | Alveolata |
Phylum: | Apicomplexa |
Class: | Conoidasida |
Order: | Eucoccidiorida |
Family: | Sarcocystidae |
Genus: | Besnoitia |
Species: | B. besnoiti
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Binomial name | |
Besnoitia besnoiti (Franco and Borges, 1916)
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Besnoitia besnoiti is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite, closely related to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum,[1]. It is part of a larger genus Besnoiti affecting multiple animal species, but Besnoita besnoiti, can affect livestock.[2] and more specifically cattle as intermediate host,[1] although some specific antibodies have been found in roe deer and red deer.[3]
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.[3]