Aikinetocystidae

The Aikinetocystidae are a family of parasitic alveolates in the phylum Apicomplexa. The species in this family infect oligochaetes.

This family was created in 1930 by Bhatia.^[1]

Two genera are recognised in this family - Aikinetocystis and Nellocystis.

The species in this family infect the coelom of oligochaetes. They are spread by the oral-faecal route. The trophozoite is aseptate. The gamont is sac-like and extends at one end into two branches which divide dichotomously, forming eight to 16 secondary branches bearing groups of suckers. The oocysts are biconical (fusiform).