Colpodella spp.–like Parasite Infection in Woman, China

Abstract

The phylum Apicomplexa comprises intracellular protozoa that include many human pathogens. Their nearest relatives are chromerids and colpodellids. We report a case of a Babesia spp.–like relapsing infection caused by a newly described microorganism related to the Apicomplexa. This case is highly suggestive of a previously undescribed type of colpodellid that infects vertebrates.

Keywords

• Colpodella
• Chromera
• Babesia
• erythrocyte
• Apicomplexa
• China