protozoa

Protozoa /Pro·to·zoa/ (-zo´ah) a subkingdom comprising the simplest organisms of the animal kingdom, consisting of unicellular organisms ranging in size from submicroscopic to macroscopic. It comprises the Sarcomastigophora, Labyrinthomorpha, Apicomplexa, Microspora, Acetospora, Myxozoa, and Ciliophora.

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pro·to·zo·a (prt-z)

n.

Plural of protozoan.

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Protozoa

Group of extremely small single cell (unicellular) or acellular organisms that are found in moist soil or water. They tend to exist as parasites, living off other life forms.

Mentioned in: Antimalarial Drugs, Cryptosporidiosis, Cyclosporiasis, Elephantiasis, Hepatitis, Alcoholic, Leishmaniasis, Stool O & P Test

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Protozoa

a phylum comprising the unicellular eukaryotic organisms; most are freeliving, but some lead commensalistic, mutualistic, saprophytic or parasitic existences. Subphyla of veterinary interest include: (1) Sarcodina—including coccidia, cryptosporidia, Toxoplasma, Babesia, Plasmodium and others; (2) Mastigophora—including trypanosomes, Histomonas, Trichomonas spp.

Pathogenic protozoa for animals include: Acanthamoeba, Babesia, Balantidium, Besnoitia, Chilomastix, Cochlosoma, Cryptobia, Cryptosporidium, Cystoisospora, Dientamoeba, Eimeria, Encephalitozoon, Endolimax, Entamoeba, Frenkelia, Giardia, Haemoproteus, Hammondia, Hartmannella, Hepatozoon, Hexamita, Histomonas, Iodamoeba, Isospora, Klossiella, Leishmania, Leucocytozoon, Naegleria, Parahistomonas, Pentatrichomonas, Plasmodium, Sarcocystis, Theileria, Toxoplasma, Trichomonas, Tritrichomonas, Trypanosoma, Tyzzeria and Wenyonella spp.