Journal of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
(ISSN: 2659 – 0743)
Volume 6, No. 1, 2024
Pages 104-111
DOI: 10.36108/jvbs/4202.60.0101
A Critical Review of Colpodella sp: An Emerging Zoonotic Infection of Public Health Importance
*Chukwu V. E 1 ., Idoko S. Idoko2 ., Abalaka, S. E 2 ., Adeniran Lateef Ariyo 3., Ndudim I. Ogo 4 ., Obeta S. Sylvanus 1 ., Demba Sarr 5 ., Omezia, G. K 6 ., Ogbe A.O 7 ., Olabode H.O.K 8., Opara N. Maxwell1
1Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja.
2 Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
3Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
4 Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria.
5 Associate Research Scientist, Department of Infectious Diseases,Laboratory of mucosal Innate Immunity and Neutrophil Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA.
6 Department of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja. Nigeria.
7Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
8 Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Nigeria..
ABSTRACT
Colpodella is a genus of protozoan parasites within the class Apicomplexa, less studied than other apicomplexans like Plasmodium and Toxoplasma. Colpodella species are free-living, predatory flagellates that feed by penetrating the cell membrane of their prey through myzocytosis. Their distinctive rostrum attaches to prey, and a pseudo-conoid transforms into microtubules to secure the predator. The life cycle includes flagellated trophozoites and cystic stages, involving transformation, encapsulation, and asexual reproduction within cysts. Known species include C. edax, C. pseudoedax, C. pugnax, and C. angust. Colpodella infections in humans and animals are rare and not well-documented, with non-specific symptoms such as fever, malaise, and anemia. The genus is more commonly found in wildlife and domesticated animals, though comprehensive epidemiological surveys are lacking. In Nigeria, Colpodella reports are scarce, as the focus is on prevalent diseases such as malaria and river blindness. Animal infections by Colpodella are also underexplored, though it has been detected in livestock and wildlife during screenings for other parasitic diseases in Mozambique, Zambia, and Egypt. The overall impact and prevalence of Colpodella in African animal populations remain largely unknown. Therefore, there is a critical need for more research to determine the prevalence, clinical impact, and geographical distribution of Colpodella infections in Africa and Nigeria in particular.
Keywords: Colpodella spp, emerging zoonosis, review, public health