These stages discovered in 1839 have since constituted a taxonomic puzzle. They are cellularly constructed endoparasites, which all or part of their life cycle are composed of an outer cell layer or syncytium enclosing one or more reproductive cells. They have a complicated life cycle involving asexual and sexual generations. They are now considered as own phylum containing two groups: Dicyemida and Orthonectida.
The dicyemids are rather common parasites in the nephridia of cephalopods (squids, octopuses). The orthonectids are rather rare parasites in the internal hollows and tissues of various invertebrates such as flatworms, nemerteans, brittle stars, annelids, and/or clams.
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Further Readings
Hanelt B et al (1996) The phylogenetic position of Rhopalura ophiocomae (Orthonectida) based on 18S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis. Mol Biol Evol 13:1187–1193
Suzuki TG et al (2010) Phylogenetic analysis of dicyemid mesozoans (phylum Dicyemida) from innexin amino acid sequences: dicyemids are not related to Platyhelminthes. J Parasitol 96:614–625
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Mehlhorn, H. (2015). Mesozoa. In: Mehlhorn, H. (eds) Encyclopedia of Parasitology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27769-6_4661-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27769-6_4661-1
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