Uniform Terminology for the Protozoan Subphylum Apicomplexa*

Abstract

SYNOPSIS. Uniform names for the stages, processes and structures of apicomplexan protozoa are proposed and defined, and names that should be superseded are listed. The same names are used for the same stages of all members of the group. Gregarines are designated as either septate or aseptate rather than as polycystid or monocystid. The gregarine stage often called a sporadin is recognized for what it is, a gamont. The cyst formed around 2 gregarine gamonts in which zygotes are formed is a gametocyst; it contains oocysts which in turn contain sporozoites. The term “spore” is inappropriate for these oocysts. The apical complex includes the polar ring, conoid, rhoptries, micronemes and subpellicular tubules. The gregarine “pseudocyst” is actually a gametocyst residuum. The term micropore is preferred to cytostome for the apicomplexan structure, since it is visible only with the electron microscope.