Attempted cross-transmission of coccidia between sheep and goats and description of Eimeria ovinoidalis sp. n.

Attempted infection of 2 young lambs with oocysts of Eimeria christenseni from a goat was unsuccessful. Negative results were obtained also when young kids were fed oocysts of Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae from sheep. There was no difficulty in infecting lambs with the sheep coccidium resembling E. ninakohlyakimovae nor goats with the goat coccidium E. christenseni. Oocysts from the goat measured 38.4 X 26.7 microns, but were easily distinguished from Eimeria ahsata from the sheep by sporocyst size and shape, and from Eimeria ovina by oocyst size. Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae-like oocysts from sheep averaged 23.0 X 18.2 microns and were morphologically indistinguishable from previously reported goat coccidia. Since no cross infections of sheep and goats could be accomplished with oocysts of Eimeria sp. characteristic of one or the other host, I concluded that sheep coccidia previously known as E. ninakohlykimovae are distinct from morphologically similar goat coccidia and therefore constitute a separate species. Since the name E. ninakohlyakimovae was first used for coccidia from the goat, the sheep coccidium is renamed Eimeria ovinoidalis with oocyst structure and endogenous stages similar to those previously described from the sheep.     

Coccidia of the domestic goat (Capra hircus) in Saudi Arabia.

Faeces of 228 domestic goats (Capra hircus) from the central region of Saudi Arabia were examined for the presence of coccidian oocysts. Ten species of coccidia were identified and described. A total of 90.3% of the specimens were positive, most of them contained 100-1000 oocysts per g of faecal sample. Kids less than 1 year old had higher oocyst counts than goatlings or adult goats. Mixed infections with three to five species were found in 69.7% of the specimens and six to eight species were found in 10.1%. Eimeria arloingi and E. hirci were most prevalent. E. alijevi, E. ninakohlyakimovae, E. caprina, E. christenseni and E. apsheronica were less common. E. jolchijevi, E. caprovina and E. punctata were relatively rare.     

Eimeria galateai sp. n. from the Paradise Kingfisher, and Eimeria duncani sp. n. from the Sacred Kingfisher in Papua New Guinea

SYNOPSIS. Eimeria galateai sp. n. from the paradise kingfisher ( Tanysiptera galatea Gray) and Eimeria duncani sp. n. from the sacred kingfisher ( Halcyon sancta Vigors & Horsfield) have been described from Papua New Guinea. Four of 11 paradise kingfishers were infected with E. galateai oocysts, measuring 13 (11–16) × 9 (8–11) μm. The oocysts were ovoid with nipple-like protrusion at one pole. Micropyle and polar granule were absent, while oocyst residuum (5 × 4 μm) was present. Sporocysts, measuring 5 (4–6) × 2 μm, were elongate-ovoid, and had a distinct convex Stieda body; the sporocyst residuum was absent. Two of 9 sacred kingfishers were infected with ovoid-truncated, 22 (19–25) × 16 (12–18) μm oocysts of E. duncani . Polar granule (5 × 2) was present in the oocysts, but there was no micropyle or oocyst residuum. Sporocysts were ovoid, measuring 9 (8–10) × 5 (4–6) μm, with a prominent Stieda body, and granular sporocyst residuum. Eimeria galateai and E. duncani are the first species of this genus to be described from birds of the order Coraciiformes.     

Experiments with defined multispecific coccidial infections in lambs.

The behaviour of four species of Eimeria was studied in lambs which were given either monospecific or multispecific infections. In the presence of other species the patency of oocyst production of E. ovina and E. weybridgensis was extended and the total number of oocysts produced by all species except E. ninakohlyakimovae was increased. Clinical symptoms were observed only in lambs which received E. ninakohlyakimovae.     

Coccidian Parasites of Intertidal Fishes from Wales: Systematics, Development, and Cytochemistry

SYNOPSIS. Examination of littoral fish Blennius pholis and Cottus bubalis caught at Aberystwyth and Porth Cwyfan, Wales. U.K., revealed 2 species of coccidia.
Eimeria dingleyi sp. n. Oocysts spherical (16.1–19.2) to subspherical (13.9–14.2 × 18.8–20.0) μm, with thin walls; sporulation outside the host to produce ellipsoid sporocysts; endogenous phases in epithelial cells throughout intestine; 26 of 58 B. pholis infected.
Eimeria variabilis (Thélohan) Reichenow. Oocysts spherical (11.9–14.6) to subspherical (9.2–10.9 × 13.9–14.3) μm; sporulation in lining of pyloric ceca and rectum; previously unrecorded schizonts and gametocytes present; 21 of 25 C. bubalis infected.
Electron microscopy revealed that the oocyst wall of E. variabilis consists of a thin membrane whereas the sporocyst wall is thick and 3-layered. Typical oocyst wall-forming bodies were absent from the macrogamete. Cytochemical tests on the endogenous stages of E. dingleyi and E. variabilis indicated that in general they resembled other coccidia in their chemical constitution.     

Coccidia (Protozoa: Eimeridae) of the Herbivorous Mole-Rat, Spalax leucodon Nordmann

SYNOPSIS. A survey of 96 herbivorous mole-rats, Spalax leucodon Nordmann, in Lalahan district of Ankara, Turkey, revealed the presence of 6 new species of coccidia. The species found, the shape and average length-width dimensions (in micrometers) of their oocysts, and the numbers of animals from which they were isolated were as follow: Eimeria lalahanensis sp. n., subspherical to ellipsoidal (20.3 × 12.5), from 10; Eimeria tuzdili sp. n., spherical to subspherical with radially striated oocyst wall, (20.5 × 16.5), from 3; Eimeria spalacis sp. n., ellipsoidal to cylindrical (16.3 × 9.8), from 90; Eimeria elliptica sp. n., ellipsoidal (14.3 × 10.1), from 8; Eimeria turkmenica sp. n., ellipsoidal (11.3 × 8.9), from 1; Isospora anatolicum sp. n., spherical (7.6 × 5.1), from 1 animal. The overall infection rate for 96 examined herbivorous mole-rats was 100%.     

Eimeria zapi sp. n. from the Meadow Jumping Mouse, Zapus hudsonius Zimmerman in Southwestern Michigan

SYNOPSIS Four of 5 meadow jumping mice ( Zapus hudsonius ) captured had in their feces a previously undescribed species of Eimeria which is named Eimeria zapi sp. n. The sporulated oocysts measured 21.7 (19.5–24.0) × 20.3 (17.5–23.0) μm. The single-layered oocyst wall was 1.5 μm thick, rough, pitted and appeared clear-to-amber. Usually 2 polar granules could be seen. An oocyst residuum was not observed. Each sporocyst averaged 16.0 (12.5–18.0) × 9.7 (7.5–11.5) μm. A substiedal body was present. The sporocyst residuum consisted of a membrane-enclosed packet of 15 to 20 granules. This is the first species of Eimeria to be described from the genus Zapus.     

Coccidia (Eimeria tachyglossi n. sp., E. echidnae n. sp., and Octosporella hystrix n. sp.) in the Echidna, Tachyglossus aculeatus (Monotremata: Tachyglossidae)

Oocysts of Octosporella hystrix n. sp., Eimeria tachyglossi n. sp., and E. echidnae n. sp. are described from the feces of the echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus (Monotremata: Tachyglossidae) from Australia. Eimeria tachyglossi has subspherical oocysts, 26.4 × 23.7 μm in size, with a single oocyst wall; no micropyle; four ellipsoidal sporocysts 13.2 × 9.7, slightly pointed at one end, each containing two sporozoites. Eimeria echidnae has subspherical oocysts, 19.4 × 17.8 in size, with a single oocyst wall; no micropyle; four ellipsoidal sporocysts 9.8 × 7.8, blunt at both ends, each containing two sporozoites. Octosporella hystrix has ovoid or subspherical oocysts 32.9 × 29.7 in size with a thick outer and thin inner oocyst wall; no micropyle; eight sporocysts spherical or slightly subspherical 11.3 × 11.2 each containing two sporozoites lying in embrace, with an extensive granular sporocyst residuum about the equator of the sporocyst. Endogenous stages considered to be of E. tachyglossi at least, were recognized in the lamina propria and epithelium on villi in the small intestine of three echidnas.     

Eimeria procyonis sp. n., an Isospora sp., and a Redescription of E. nuttalli Yakimoff and Matikaschwili, 1932 (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) from the American Raccoon (Procyon lotor)

SYNOPSIS. Thirty-two of 48 raccoons examined were infected with a previously undescribed species of Eimeria which is herein named E. procyonis. Of the 32 infected animals, 10 also harbored E. nuttalli and 1 had Isospora sp. oocysts.
The ellipsoid to ovoid oocysts of E. procyonis measured 23.4 × 18.0 (16–29 × 13–24) μm; its sporocysts measured 12.1 × 9.3 (11.5–15 × 7–10) μm, each containing a slightly flattened substiedal body. The sporocyst residuum consisted of numerous scattered granules each ∼1 μm in diameter. The oocyst wall was double-layered. The outer layer appeared rough and pitted, measuring 1.5 μm, except at the micropyle where it was 1 μm thick.
The oocysts of the Isospora sp. measured 16.8 × 13.7 (16–18.5 × 12.5–15.5) μm. The wall consisted of a single layer ∼0.5 μm thick. The sporocysts measured 11.2 × 9.1 (9.5–11.5 × 8–10) μm, and each contained 4 elongate sporozoites. The oocysts of E. nuttalli measured 17.5 × 13.6 (12-21 × 11-15) μm, with a smooth single-layered wall approximately 0.7 μm thick. The sporocysts measured 12.2 × 7.1 (9-13 × 5.5–11) μm. Each sporocyst had a thin, dark, Stieda body and the sporocyst residuum consisted of many fine granules.     

Eimeriidae of the Herbivorous Mole-Rat, Spalax ehrenbergi Nehring

SYNOPSIS. A survey of 41 herbivorous mole-rats, Spalax ehrenbergi Nehring, in Urfa, Adiyaman, and Maras provinces of Turkey revealed 7 new species of Eimeria in addition to previously described Eimeriidae. The shape, average dimensions (in μm) of their oocysts, and the numbers of hosts from which the new species were isolated were as follows: Eimeria urfensis sp. n., ellipsoidal (33 × 21), from 8 hosts; Eimeria adiyamanensis sp. n., ovoid to ellipsoidal (33 × 18), from 6 hosts; Eimeria haranica sp. n., elongate ovoid (37 × 20), from 22 rats; Eimeria marasensis sp. n., ellipsoidal (36 × 18), from 2 rats; Eimeria oytuni sp. n., pear-shaped (24 × 17), from 2 hosts; Eimeria celebii sp. n., ellipsoidal (16 × 9), from 1 rat; and Eimeria torosicum sp. n., spherical to subspherical (11 × 10), from 2 animals.     

Eimeria crotalviridis sp. n. from Prairie Rattlesnakes, Crotalus viridis viridis, in New Mexico with Data on Excystation of Sporozoites and Ultrastructure of the Oocyst Wall

SYNOPSIS Oocysts of Eimeria crotalviridis sp. n. are described from prairie rattlesnakes, Crotalus viridis viridis in New Mexico on the basis of light and electron microscopy and in vitro excystation of sporozoites. Sporulated oocysts of E. crotalviridis are elliptical, 26.4 × 22.3 (23–29 × 20–24) μm with ovoid sporocysts 11.7 × 8.1 (11–13 × 7–9) μm. A micropyle, micropyle cap and polar bodies are absent, but oocyst and sporocyst residua and Stieda and substieda bodies are present. Excysted sporozoites are 12.4 × 2.8 (11–13 × 2–3) μm and have 1 large posterior refractile body and a nucleus with a prominent nucleolus. Ultrastructurally, the oocyst wall has 2 layers, a thick, electron-dense, highly sculptured outer layer composed of a fine granular matrix and a thin, granular, osmiophilic inner layer, separated from the outer layer by at least one unit membrane. These layers are 441 (353–510) and 21.6 (19–29) nm thick, respectively. Within 15 min after exposure to a trypsin-sodium taurocholate fluid, sporozoites of E. crotalviridis excysted from 5-month-old sporocysts.     

Hepatic coccidiosis in the goat

Coccidial oocysts were seen in the bile from five goats infected with coccidia either naturally or artificially. The oocysts measured on average 21.3 by 18.3 microns and resembled those of Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae. Livers and gall bladders of infected animals showed various degrees of histopathological changes. In the worst case, bile had a thick consistency and contained blood and necrotic debris. Apart from those in the bile, oocysts were seen in liver smears and in the centrilobular vein in two histological sections. Forms resembling meronts and measuring on average 200 by 147 microns were seen in sections of bile duct.     

Coccidian Parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) of Nerodia spp. (Serpentes: Colubridae), with a Description of a New Species of Eimeria

Eimeria conanli n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described from intestinal contents and feces of Nerodia erythrogaster transversa and N harteri harteri from northcentral Texas. Oocysts of the new species are ellipsoid in shape. 17.9 × 13.0(15–21 × 12–15) μm, with a smooth, thin, single-layered wall; shape index 1.4 (1.2–1.5). One to several (usually 2) polar granule(s) and an oocyst residuum are present, but a micropyie is absent. Sporocysts are elongate, 12.9 × 5.2 (13–15 × 5–6) -m, apparently without a true Stieda body structure. Each sporoeyst contains an ellipsoid residuum, 3.9 × 3.2 (3–6 × 2–4) μm, and elongate sporozoites, 11.4 × 2.5 (10–14 × 2–3) μm in situ, each with a spherical or subspherical anterior refractile body and spherical to ellipsoid posterior refractile body. In addition to the new species, oocysts of 4 previously described eimerians from colubrid snakes were found in these hosts.     

Eimeria chihuahuaensis sp.n. and Other Coccidia from Dipodomys spp. in El Paso County, Texas

SYNOPSIS. Dipodomys merriami Mearns and Dipodomys ordi Woodhouse were surveyed for coccidia in El Paso County, Texas. Infections with Eimeria chobotari. Eimeria dipodomysis and Eimeria balphae were 24.8%. 4.4%, and 11%, respectively, for D. ordi. Dipodomys merriami had an infection level of 23.8% with E. chobotari . Four animals concurrently harbored E. chobotari and E. balphae or E. dipodomysis or a new species Eimeria chihuahuaensis. Male and female host infection levels were not significantly different. The new species is described and photographs of 3 previously described Eimeria from Dipodomys are presented.     

Eimeria Caprovina Sp. N. From the Domestic Goat, Capra Hircus, From the Usa

Oocysts of Eimeria caprovina sp. n. from the domestic goat, Capra hircus , are ellipsoidal, subspherical or slightly ovoid, usually flattened at the micropylar end. They measure 29.7 (26-36) × 23.7 (23-28) μ. the sporocysts are elongate ovoids, measuring 14.3 (13-17) × 8.3 (8-9) μ. with Stieda bodies at the narrow ends. the oocyst wait is 1.6 μ thick, smooth, dark-brown to brownish-yellow, and 2-layered. A micropyle. 6.2 (4-10) μ in diameter, polar granule, and sporocyst residuum are present: micropylar cap and oocyst residuum are absent.     

Eimeria dalli sp. n. (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) from Dall Sheep Ovis dalli

Eimeria dalli sp. n. is described from fecal samples collected from Dall sheep, Ovis dalli, from the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. The oocysts are spherical or subspherical with mean dimensions of 43.7 × 37.4 μm. The outer oocyst wall is rough and irregular. No micropyle, micropylar cap or residuum was observed. Sporocysts were elongate ovoid with mean dimensions of 19.0 × 10.7 μm. Stieda bodies were not discernible.     

Coccidia of wombats: correction of host-parasite relationships. Eimeria wombati (Gilruth and Bull, 1912) Comb. Nov. and Eimeria ursini Supperer, 1957 from the hairy-nosed wombat and Eimeria arundeli sp. n. from the common wombat.

Coccidial oocysts morphologically consistent with Eimeria ursini Supperer 1957, and E. tasmaniae Supperer 1957 were recovered from the feces of wild and captive hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) in Australia. Eimeria arundeli so. n. was recovered from the feces of wild and captive common wombats (Vombatus ursinus). Eimeria arundeli oocysts are ellipsoidal to slightly ovoid 60.2--67.2 (63.7) X 40.6--47.6 (43.4); micropyle 3 in diameter usually visible; with oocyst wall granular, dark brown and occasionally opaque, 4--7 thick; inner oocyst wall clear, about 1.5 thick; small oocyst residuum present, four sporocysts ovoid 22.4--29.4 (25.8) X 12.6--15.4 (14.1) with protuberant Stieda body; opposite end of sporocyst also often slighly pointed; large granular sporocyst residuum obscuring sporozoites. Gametocytes of E. arundeli sp. n. and of an organism which is consistent with E. tasmaniae, are described developing in the lamina propria of villi in the small intestine. The stages in the hairy-nosed wombat are those described as Ileocystis wombati Gilruth and Bull 1912. It is suggested that the identification of the host of Supperer's E. ursini and E. tasmaniae as V. ursinus was in error and that the allopatric L. latifrons is the natural host. Eimeria tasmaniae Supperer 1957 is suppressed and E. wombati (Gilruth and Bull, 1912) comb. nov. is proposed and redescribed. No schizonts were identified among the endogenous stages, consistent with observations in the literature on other coccidia with similar gametocyte and oocyst structure.     

Eimeria filamentifera sp. n. from the Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina (Linné), in Iowa

SYNOPSIS. Oocysts of Eimeria filamentifera sp. n. were isolated from 2 of 2 snapping turtles, Chelydra serpentina (Linné), in Iowa. The ovoid to ellipsoid oocysts of this species averaged 23.2 × 18.6 μm and had a length/width ratio ranging from 1.1 to 1.6. The ellipsoid sporocysts averaged 14.0 × 7.7 μm and had papillose, filament-bearing Stieda bodies. Oocyst and sporocyst residua were present, but micropyle and polar granule were not. This appears to be the 2nd species of Eimeria reported from snapping turtles, with E. chelydrae being the first.     

Effects of simple and disposable chicken cages for experimental Eimeria infections

During experimental Eimeria infections in chickens, facilities are often contaminated by fecal oocysts known to be highly resistant to both chemical and enzymatic treatments. Thus, studies using experimental Eimeria infections have been limited due to the difficulty of complete elimination of residual oocysts from both cages and facilities. To overcome this limitation, simple, inexpensive, and disposable cages were constructed from cardboard boxes and tested during experimental Eimeria maxima infections. The cages were used in animal rooms with only a 1.7% evidence of coccidia contamination between adjacent cages. No significant differences in fecal oocyst output and body weight gain were noted between animals housed in disposable cages and animals housed in wire control cages. This cage design is a useful means for preventing oocyst contamination during experimental conditions, suggesting that this disposable cage design could be used for other avian infectious disease studies.