Globidium

GLOBIDIUM, poorly studied Protozoa, parasitizing in the mucous membrane of the intestinal tract or in the skin of mammals, where they form round cysts, covered with a membranous capsule and filled with numerous spores resembling sarcocystid spores. G. Leuckarti parasitizes in the intestine of horses, G. Gilruthi in sheep (rumen), G. Besnoiti in cattle. Other species parasitizing in mammals are also known. G. Gilruthi has been found in 92% of English sheep. The cysts of this species reach 200-500 μ in diameter. The wall of the cyst is formed by modified connective tissue cells. In the mature cyst, there is a mass of spores, 10x1.5 μ in size; one end of the spore is blunt, the other is pointed. The nucleus lies closer to the blunt end. --G. Besnoiti localizes in both the connective tissue and the fasciae of cow muscles. In the latter case, nodules may be visible in the meat of cows, which may lead to the rejection of the meat. When mature cysts burst in the stomach wall of sheep, hemorrhages may occur, sometimes leading to serious consequences. These parasites are unknown in humans. The systematic position of G. is not yet fully clear. Some species are close to Sarcocystis, however some researchers consider G. not Protozoa, but true fungi.