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==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
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The '''piroplasms'' are a group of blood-bourne protozoa which are transmitted by [[Suborder: Metastigmata, ticks|ticks]]. The two species most of veterinary importance are ''Babesia'', ''Cytauxzoon'' and ''Theileria''.  
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The '''piroplasms''' are a group of blood-bourne protozoa which are transmitted by [[Suborder: Metastigmata, ticks|ticks]]. The two species most of veterinary importance are ''Babesia'', ''Cytauxzoon'' and ''Theileria''.  
    
Piroplasms are apicomplexan protozoa which inhabit [[Erythrocytes - WikiBlood|erythrocytes]], and sometimes other cells of vertebrates, but do not form pigment from haemoglobin. All piroplasms are small and round or pear-shaped (erythrocyte forms) and are parasitic on fish, amphibians, birds and mammals.
 
Piroplasms are apicomplexan protozoa which inhabit [[Erythrocytes - WikiBlood|erythrocytes]], and sometimes other cells of vertebrates, but do not form pigment from haemoglobin. All piroplasms are small and round or pear-shaped (erythrocyte forms) and are parasitic on fish, amphibians, birds and mammals.
    
==''Babesia''==
 
==''Babesia''==
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[[Image:Babesia Life Cycle.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Babesia Life Cycle Diagram - Dennis Jacobs & Mark Fox RVC]]
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*Infects a wide range of host species in different areas of the world
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*Babesiosis has severe effects on cattle production in parts of the world
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**Prevents European breeds from being successful in tropical regions where [[Suborder: Metastigmata, ticks|ticks]] are endemic.
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**Occurs sporadically in the UK and Ireland causing losses of around £8 million per year
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'''Life Cycle'''
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*Both [[Suborder: Metastigmata, ticks#Disease Transmission|trans-stadial]] and [[Suborder: Metastigmata, ticks#Disease Transmission|trans-ovarian]] occurs
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*Each female [[Suborder: Metastigmata, ticks|tick]] produces 3000 eggs
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*The [[Suborder: Metastigmata, ticks|tick]] is the definitive host
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* May cause haemolysis and [[General Pathology - Pigmentation and Calcification#Haemoglobin|haemoglobin pigmentation]].
 
* May cause haemolysis and [[General Pathology - Pigmentation and Calcification#Haemoglobin|haemoglobin pigmentation]].
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'''Epidemiology'''
    
==''Theileria''==
 
==''Theileria''==
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