Domain Eukaryota Order Piroplasmida Genus Theileria Higher classification Theileria | Phylum Apicomplexa Family Theileriidae Scientific name Theileria parva Rank Species | |
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Similar Theileria, Piroplasmida, Babesia bovis, Apicomplexa, Rhipicephalus | ||
Medical vocabulary what does theileria parva mean
Theileria parva is a species of parasites, named in honour of Arnold Theiler, that causes East Coast fever (theileriosis) in cattle, a costly disease in Africa. The main vector for T. parva is the tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. Theiler found that East Coast fever was not the same as redwater, but caused by a different protozoan.
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Genomics
Theileria parva has four chromosomes and a plastome. In 2005 the sequencing of its genome was announced. T. parva has genes that allow it to attach to white blood cell (leukocyte) membranes, enter the cells and take them over. It then activates the host cells' mitotic pathway, and multiplies along with the host cells. When the genome of Babesia bovis, another protozoan parasite that infects red blood cells (erythrocytes) and causes Babesiosis (Redwater) in cattle, was sequenced in 2007 their genomes were found to be remarkably similar.