What is the Difference Between Eimeria and Isospora?

Eimeria and Isospora are both genera of apicomplexan parasites that cause coccidiosis in various animals. However, there are some key differences between them:

1. Host specificity: Eimeria species primarily infect livestock and wild animals, while Isospora species infect humans, dogs, and cats.
2. Paratenic host: Isospora species may use a paratenic host in their life cycle, whereas Eimeria species do not.
3. Oocyst characteristics: Eimeria oocysts sometimes have a cap at one end, covering the micropyle, where the sporozoites emerge. Isospora oocysts do not have this cap. Additionally, Isospora oocysts can undergo cell division if exposed to the external environment, while Eimeria oocysts do not.
4. Sporulation time: Isospora suis oocysts become infective within 24-48 hours, while Eimeria spp. oocysts need 5-12 days (depending on the species) to become infective.

Both Eimeria and Isospora are highly host-specific, and infections by species of these genera may cause similar symptoms such as diarrhea and weight loss. The infections can be diagnosed by examining stool specimens for oocysts, and they may be treated through antiparasitic drugs.

Comparative Table: Eimeria vs Isospora

Here is a table comparing the differences between Eimeria and Isospora:

Eimeria and Isospora are both genera of apicomplexan parasites that cause coccidiosis in various animals. The species of both genera are highly host-specific, and the infections by species of these genera may cause similar symptoms such as diarrhea and weight loss. The infections by species of these genera may be diagnosed by examining stool specimens for oocysts. The infections by species of these genera may be treated through antiparasitic drugs.