Sarcocystis

Sarcocystis is a genus of protozoan parasites, with many species infecting mammals, reptiles and birds. Its name is derived from Greek sarx = flesh and kystis = bladder. The lifecycle of a typical member of this genus involves two host species, a definitive host and an intermediate host. Often, the definitive host is a predator and the intermediate host is its prey. The parasite reproduces sexually in the gut of the definitive host, is passed with the feces, and ingested by the intermediate host. There, it eventually enters muscle tissue. When the intermediate host is eaten by the definitive host, the cycle is completed. The definitive host usually does not show any symptoms of infection, but the intermediate host does. About 130 recognized species are in this genus. Revision of the taxonomy of the genus is ongoing, and all the currently recognized species may be a much smaller number of species that can infect multiple hosts.