Margolisiella

Margolisiella is a genus of parasitic alveolates belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa.

History
This genus was created in 1997 by Desser and Bower for a group of protozoa that infect little neck clams (Protothaca staminea). The genus is named after Leo Margolis, a marine biologist.

Four species were transferred from the genus Pseudoklossia to Margolisiella: Margolisiella chitonis, Margolisiella haliotis, Margolisiella patellae and Margolisiella tellinovum.

Taxonomy
There are six species currently recognised in this genus.

Description
These are monoxenous parasites of marine bivalve molluscs. They infect primarily the renal epithelium. Merogony, sporogony and gametogony occur in the same host. Sporulation also occurs in the same host. The oocysts are large with numerous sporocytes. The sporocytes have 2-4 sporozoites each.

Life cycle
Very little is known about the life cycle. The parasites are presumably ingested via the oral route and excreted in from the renal tract.

Host records

 * M. islandica - Iceland scallops (Chlamys islandica)
 * M. kabatai - littleneck clam (Protothaca staminea)