Phylum: Apicomplexa
Suborder : Eimeriina
Family : sarcocystidae
Sub-family: sarcocystinae
Genus Sarcocystis
Family: Sarcocystidae
- His family includes six-genera: Besnoitia, Hammondia, Sarcocystis, Neospora, Erenkelia and Toxoplasma which are of veterinary interest.
- Asexual stage of life cycle occurs in intermediate host and sexual stage occurs in final host.
- Oocyst have two sporocysts each with four sporozoites.
- Except, Toxoplasma, they are normally non-pathogenic to their final host and significance is due to cystic tissue stage in intermediate host; which include ruminants, pigs, horses and humans.
- Tissue phase in intermediate host is obligatory except toxoplasma, where it is facultative.