The Myxozoa are a group of parasitic organisms of fish, and rarely in amphibians and reptiles in aquatic environments. Over 1500 species have been described and many have a two-host lifecycle, involving a vertebrate and an annelid worm or a bryozoan. Infection occurs through valved spores. Our work on amphibian myxozoans is conducted with the collaboration of Dr. Christopher Whipps and Miloslav Jirků. We are currently describing and re-describing new species of amphibian myxozoans and constructing molecular phylogenies of these parasites. We are currently beginning life cycle studies on these parasites.
Plasmodia and spores of Myxidium melleni from chorus frogs.
.
Plasmodia and spores of Myxidium melleni from chorus frog.
Plasmodia of Myxidium serotinum.
Plasmodia and spores of Myxidium serotinum.
Pseudoplasmodia of Sphaerospora ohlmacheri in the kidneys of toads.
