Chilomastix | |
---|---|
Electron micrograph of Chilomastix cuspidata. The "9+2" axoneme and the enclosing membrane can be seen, the flagellum has two vanes. | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | |
(unranked): | |
Phylum: | |
Class: | |
Order: | |
Family: | |
Genus: | Chilomastix Aléxéieff, 1910
|
Species | |
| |
Synonyms | |
|
Chilomastix is a genus of pyriform excavates within the family Retortamonadidae[1] All species within this genus are flagellated, structured with three flagella pointing anteriorly and a fourth contained within the feeding groove.[1] Chilomastix also lacks Golgi apparatus and mitochondria but does possess a single nucleus.[1] The genus parasitizes a wide range of vertebrate hosts, but is known to be typically non-pathogenic, and is therefore classified as harmless.[2][3] The life cycle of Chilomastix lacks an intermediate host or vector.[4] Chilomastix has a resistant cyst stage responsible for transmission and a trophozoite stage, which is recognized as the feeding stage. Chilomastix mesnili is one of the more studied species in this genus due to the fact it is a human parasite. Therefore, much of the information on this genus is based on what is known about this one species.
Adamson2004
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).Barnham1977
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).