Haematractidium is a genus of parasitic alveolates in the phylum Apicomplexa. It infects the Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus).

Haematractidium
Scientific classification
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Genus:
Haematractidium
Species

Haematractidium scombri

History

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This genus was first described by Henry in 1910. Although it is occasionally re described[1] very little is known about it.

Taxonomy

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There is one known species in this genus: Haematractidium scombri.

Description

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The parasite is intra erythrocytic, ameboid, oval or pyriform in shape. There are no vacuoles or reticulation in the cytoplasm. The nucleus has two or more chromatin granules. The parasite has a single membrane.

References

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  1. ^ Newborg M, Miller D (1975). "An unusual sporozoan blood parasite, named Haematractidium scombri Henry, 1910, from the Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus". J Parasitol. 61 (2): 264. doi:10.2307/3279003. JSTOR 3279003. PMID 805230.