COCCIDIOSIS. 695 



Of these two cells the male eventually divides into 

 many flagellated microgametes, each of which is 

 able to penetrate and fertilize a female cell (macro- 

 gamete). The female cell then forms a capsule, 

 becomes an oocyst, divides into sporoblasts, each 

 of which eventually forms sickle-shaped spores, species. 

 which when liberated are again called sporozoites. 

 Several species are recognized, depending on the 

 number of spores formed by the oocyst. In some 

 instances the spore formation takes place in the 

 outer world, and when the oocysts are ingested the 

 sporozoites are liberated. 



Coccidium cuniculi s. oviforme is a frequent 

 parasite in the intestines and liver of the rabbit, 

 occurs occasionally in the same organs in man from 

 association with rabbits (?), and causes a hemor- 

 rhagic dysentery in the cattle of some countries 

 (Switzerland). Horses, goats and swine may also 

 be infected. 



Spore formation takes place outside the host. 

 The oocyst is discharged in the feces and produces 

 four spores, each of which forms two sporozoites. 

 A new host is infected by the ingestion of spores. 



Diarrhea and emaciation result from infection Jesuits of 



Infection. 



of the intestines, and in the liver cheesy nodules 

 (coccidia nodules) are formed, containing para- 

 sites, degenerated cells and proliferated epithe- 

 lium. A papillomatous proliferation of the epi- 

 thelium of the bile passages and intestines may be 

 produced. 



Coccidium bigeminum, a coccidium in which 

 the oocyst divides into two spore-containing cysts, 

 has been found in man several times. 



