Encephalitozoon cuniculi: Light and electron microscopic evidence for di-,tetra-, and octosporous sporogony and a note on the molecular phylogeny ofencephalitozoonidae

We demonstrate, based on the light, electron microscopic, and immunofluores cence studies carried out on two isolates of Encephalitozoon cuniculi estab lished in culture, that E. cuniculi exhibits di-, tri-, tetra-, and octospo rous sporogony. We therefore propose that the generic characters of Encepha litozoon should be amended to include tetra-sporous sporogony as generic fe atures. Additionally, the molecular phylogenetic analysis indicates that E. cuniculi, E. hellem, and E. (Septata) intestinalis form a cohesive group.