Rabbit Microsporidian
Encephalitozoon cuniculi
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Phylum Microsporidia
Family Encephalitozoonidae
Conservation Veterinary and public health concern
Complete Taxonomy
Kingdom: Fungi
Phylum: Microsporidia
Class: Microsporea
Order: Chytridiopsida
Family: Encephalitozoonidae
Genus: Encephalitozoon
Species: E. cuniculi
Description
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian parasite primarily affecting rabbits but capable of infecting many mammals including humans. It causes encephalitozoonosis, manifesting as neurological, renal, and ocular disease. In immunocompromised humans, it can cause disseminated infections.
Physical Characteristics
Cap Shape: Oval spores
Cap Color: Microscopic
Size: Spores 2.0-2.5 micrometers
Gill Attachment: N/A
Spore Print: N/A
Stipe: Intracellular parasite
Habitat: Mammalian cells, particularly brain and kidney
Fruiting Season: Continuous in infected hosts
Distribution
Worldwide
Habitat
Obligate intracellular parasite of mammals, especially rabbits. Infects various tissues.
Ecological Role
Parasite of rabbits and other mammals. Opportunistic human pathogen.
Cultural Significance
Important in rabbit husbandry and veterinary medicine. Zoonotic disease concern.
Fascinating Facts
- Common in domestic rabbits worldwide
- Can infect brain, kidneys, and eyes
- Zoonotic - transmissible to humans
- Spores shed in urine
- Can cause fatal disease in rabbits
- Opportunistic in immunocompromised humans
- First microsporidian genome sequenced
- Extremely reduced genome - 2.9 Mb