Histomonas meleagridis
Quick Summary
Histomonas meleagridis is a protozoan parasite that causes blackhead disease in turkeys, chickens, and other game birds. This zooflagellate lives in the eggs of the nematode Heterakis gallinarum. Blackhead disease primarily affects the liver and intestines, with symptoms including listlessness and sulfur-colored diarrhea. It is often fatal in turkeys.1
Zooflagellates are a type of flagellate protozoan that can assimilate organic material through absorption or by engulfing prey. They can be free-living, symbiotic, or parasitic in various organisms. Histomonas meleagridis is an example of a parasitic zooflagellate that exhibits both amoeboid and flagellate stages.23
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