This results in many nuclei developing within the schizont. Sporozoites enter lymphoblasts to form a schizont. Within each schizont are 4-8 merozoites. These sporozoites attack the intestinal epithelial cells where they develop into a schizont. Rupture of the schizont consequently causes epithelial cell rupture and death. Each schizont forms 16-18 merozoites. A cell currently undgergoing schizogony is known as a schizont. A schizont contains tens of thousands of nuclei. Sulfonamides act on the schizont stages of the erythrocytic (asexual) cycle. In this stage, many thousands of merozoites are produced in each schizont. In the typical gregarine lifecycle, a trophozoite develops within a host cell into a schizont. For IFAT test, schizont or piroplasms are used from infected animals to identify transforming parasites. The diploid or schizont is multinucleate, and after meiosis divides to produce new gamonts. Each schizont may give rise to 20 - 34 merozoites (average&colon; 25).