Final answer:
Microsporidia are unicellular fungi that cause microsporidiosis by taking over a host cell's metabolism and reproduction, similar to other parasites like Plasmodium.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Microsporidia are a group of unicellular fungi that act as obligate intracellular parasites. The infection known as microsporidiosis can result when microsporidian spores use a polar tubule to inject themselves into a host cell, taking control of the cell's metabolism and reproduction. The pathogen Enterocystozoan bieneusi, for example, is one such species that causes a range of symptoms, including diarrhea and inflammation of the gall bladder.
The infection strategy of Microsporidia is similar to that of other parasites such as the Plasmodium species, which causes malaria. These organisms have complex life cycles, sometimes requiring multiple hosts, and can manipulate the biology of their host cells to avoid immune detection and ensure their survival and propagation.