The life cycle of this parasite occurs within the fat body of the host. Transmission is via the oro-faecal route. The infective
sporozoites are fusiform. Once ingested the sporozoites invade the wall of the gut
en route to the fat body. After invasion the sporozoites enlarge into rounded micronuclear
meronts (nuclear diameter = 1
micron). This first round of
merogony produces
merozoites with small nuclei which their turn become meronts. The second generation meronts produce two types of merozoites either with large nuclei which again give rise to merozoites or spheroidal
gamonts. The gamonts enlarge and pair in syzygy. This pairing in its turn leads to the formation of multinucleate gametocytes. These gametocytes form gametes which are released and fuse. After gamete fusion a
zygote results. Within each zygote up to 200 navicular (boat like)
oocysts may form. Each oocyst contains 8 sporozoites. ==Host records==