Definition: A phylum of unicellular parasitic EUKARYOTES characterized by the presence of complex apical organelles generally consisting of a conoid that aids in penetrating host cells, rhoptries that possibly secrete a proteolytic enzyme, and subpellicular microtubules that may be related to motility.
general; prefer specifics; infection: coordinate IM with PROTOZOAN INFECTIONS (IM); coordinate with specific protozoan terms (ANTIGENS, PROTOZOAN, etc.) if pertinent
ExamplesCoccidia; Haemosporida; Piroplasmia
Other names Sporozoeas; Sporozoas; Apicomplexas; Sporozoea; Sporozoa
