Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from insectivores: new species from shrew moles (Talpidae) in the United States

All of 18 shrew moles, Neurotrichus gibbsii, collected in Oregon and Washington were infected with one or more species of coccidia. Three eimerians and one isosporan were identified and described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria heterocapita n. sp. were subspheroid to ellipsoid, 25.5 X 21.4 (23-27 X 18-23) micron. A membranous, cap-like structure was present at one pole of the oocyst, but a micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar body were absent. Ovoid sporocysts were 13.6 X 10.0 (12-15 X 9-11) micron; a compact sporocyst residuum was present, but Stieda, sub-, and parastieda bodies were absent. This species was found in 2 of 18 (11%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria neurotrichi n. sp. were ovoid, 17.6 X 13.6 (16-20 X 11-16) micron; micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent, but a polar body was present. Ovoid sporocysts were 10.7 X 5.5 (9-12 X 5-6) micron; Stieda body and sporocyst residuum were present, but sub- and parastieda bodies were absent. This species was found in 2 of 18 (11%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria parastiedica n. sp. were subspheroid, 27.4 X 25.5 (25-30 X 22-28) micron; micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar body were absent. Ovoid sporocysts, pointed at both ends, were 18.3 X 10.4 (16-20 X 9-11) micron; Stieda, sub-, and parastieda bodies were present as was a sporocyst residuum. This species was found in 2 of 18 (11%) hosts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Eimeria clethrionomyis sp. n., Eimeria gallatii sp. n., Eimeria pileata sp. n. and Eimeria marconii sp. n. from the Red-Backed Vole Clethrionomys gapperi Vigors,from Pennsylvania§

SYNOPSIS Four new eimerian species are described from red-backed voles. Clethrionomys gapperi in Pennsylvania. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria clethrionomyis sp. n. are ellipsoidal, 18.8 (16.5–21.5) × 14.9 (14.0–16.5) with elongate, ovoid sporocysts, 10.6 (9.5–12.0) × 6.1 (5.5–7.0). The oocyst wall is smooth, with 2 layers, and thins, with terminal cap at one or both ends. Polar granules, dark Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. The occyst residuum is absent. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria gallatii sp. n. are ellipsoidal, 27.7 (21–32) × 19.3 (17–24) with ovoid sporocysts, 13.5 (12–15) × 8.8 (8–10). The oocyst wall is smooth, 2-layered, with a micropyle and thin wall at the end opposite the micropyle. Polar granules. Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. The oocyst residuum is atypical, of cobwebby material. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria pileata sp. n. are subspherical to spherical, 25.2 (20.5–29.5) × 22.5(19.5–25.5) with ellipsoidal sporocysts, 13.4(10.5–15.0) × 8.4 (7.5–9.5). The oocyst wall is rough, pitted, striated, 2-layered, with no micropyle. Polar granules, oocyst and sporocyst residuum. Stieda body and stiedal cap are present. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria marconii sp. n. are ellipsoidal, 13.0 (10.5–15.0) × 10.6 (9.5–12.0) with elongate, ovoid sporocysts, 7.7 (7.0–8.5) × 4.2 (3.0–4.5). The oocyst wall is smooth, single-layered, with no micropyle. Polar granules, dark Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. There is no oocyst residuum.     

Two new Eimeria species (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the yellow-crowned Amazon Amazona ochrocephala (Aves: Psittacidae) in Brazil

In this study, we describe 2 new species of Eimeria associated with the yellow-crowned Amazon Amazona ochrocephala. Eimeria amazonae n. sp. has bilayered, ellipsoidal, and smooth oocysts that measure 48.9 × 36.2 μm; the length/width ratio is 1.35. The micropyle and oocyst residuum are both absent, but the polar granule is present. Ovoidal sporocysts are 22.2 × 11.9 μm. Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies and sporocyst residuum are present. The 2 elongate sporozoites are curved and measure 18.1 × 3.4 μm; both have 2 refractile bodies. Eimeria ochrocephalae n. sp. has bilayered, ellipsoidal, and smooth oocysts that measure 43.8 × 27.7 μm; the length/width ratio is 1.58. The micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but the polar granule is present; ovoidal sporocysts are 20.6 × 10.1 μm. Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies and sporocyst residuum are present; 2 elongate and curved sporozoites are 15.8 × 3.4 μm, each of which has 2 refractile bodies.     

Eimeria clethrionomysis sp. n., Eimeria gallatii sp. n., Eimeria pileata sp. n. and Eimeria marconii sp. n. from the red-backed vole Clethrionomys gapperi Vigors, from Pennsylvania.

Four new eimerian species are described from red-backed voles, Clethrionomys gapperi in Pennsylvania. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria clethrionomyis sp. n. are ellipsoidal, 18.8 (16.5-21.5) x 14.9 (14.0-16.5) with elongate, ovoid sporocysts, 10.6 (9.5-12.0) x6.1 (5.5-7.0). The oocyst wall is smooth, with 2 layers, and thins, with terminal cap at one or both ends. Polar granules, dark Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. The oocyst residuum is absent. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria gallatii sp. n. are ellipsoidal, 27.7 (21-32) x 19.3 (17-24) with ovoid sporocysts, 13.5 (12-15) x 8.8 (8-10). The oocyst wall is smooth, 2-layered, with a micropyle and thin wall at the end opposite the micropyle. Polar granules, Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. The oocyst residuum is atypical, of cobwebby material. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria pileata sp. n. are subspherical to spherical, 25.2 (20.5-29.5) x 22.5 (19.5-25.5) with ellipsoidal sporocysts, 13.4(10.5-15.0) x 8.4 (7.5-9.5). The oocyst wall is rough, pitted, striated, 2-layered, with no micropyle. Polar granules, oocyst and sporocyst residuum, Stieda body and stiedal cap are present. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria marconii sp. n. are ellipsoidal, 13.0 (10.5-15-0) x 10.6 (9.5-12.0) with elongate, ovoid sporocysts, 7.7 (7.0-8.5) x 4.2 (3.0-4.5). The oocyst wall is smooth, single-layered, with no micropyle. Polar granules, dark Stiedal body and sporocyst residuum are present. There is no oocyst residuum.     

Three New Species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Nerodia rhombifem (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Texas1

Three new species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) are described from the intestinal contents of Nerodia rhombifera (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Texas. Oocysts of Eimeria infirmus are irregular in shape, 11.6 (8.8–14.4) μm in diameter, with a smooth, thin wall that ruptures easily, releasing free sporocysts. A small polar granule is usually present, but a micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. Sporocysts are bean-shaped with one side flattened slightly, 9.1 times 5.0 (7.2–10.4 times 4.4–5.8) μm, with what may be a Stieda body consisting of a slight thickening of one end of the sporocyst. Each sporocyst contains a spherical or ellipsoid residuum and sporozoites, each with a single, posterior refractile body. Oocysts of Eimeria rhombifera are spherical or subspherical, 13.1 times 12.6 (12.0–14.4 times 11.2–14.4) μm, with a smooth, frail wall. A polar granule is present, but a micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. Sporocysts are ovoid, 8.8 times 5.5 (8.0–9.6 times 5.0–6.0) μm, each with a Stieda body. Each sporocyst contains a spherical or subspherical residuum and sporozoites, each with a single posterior refractile body. Oocysts of Eimeria tenuis are ellipsoidal in shape, 17.2 times 10.8 (15.2–20.8 times 9.6–12.0) μm, with a smooth, thin wall. A polar granule and oocyst residuum are present, but a micropyle is absent. Sporocysts are elongate, 13.2 times 4.9(11.2–15.2 times 4.4–5.6) μm, each with a Stieda body consisting of a thickening of the sporocyst wall. Each sporocyst contains a spherical or subspherical residuum and sporozoites with anterior and posterior refractile bodies.     

Eimeria lipura and E. landersi n. spp. (Protozoa,Eimeriidae) from the Long-tailed Porcupine Trichys lipura Günther, 1876 in Malaysia1

SYNOPSIS. Oocysts of 2 new species of Eimeria are described from the long-tailed porcupine Trichys lipura. The ovoid, 2-layered oocysts of E. lipura average 33.1 by 24.4 μ. A micropyle and polar granules are present; an oocyst residuum is absent. Ovoid sporocysts average 10.9 by 9.3 μ. A sporcyst residuum is present; Stieda body is absent. The subspherical, 3-layered oocyst of E. landersi averages 25.2 by 24.2 μ. An oocyst residuum is absent; a polar granule is present. Ovoid sporocysts average 11.7 by 7.9 μ. A sporcysts residuum is present; a Stieda body is absent.     

Caryospora uptoni n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis borealis)

Oocysts of Caryospora uptoni n. sp. were described from the feces of red-tailed hawks, Buteo jamaicensis borealis. Sporulated oocysts were spherical or subspherical and measured 28.1 by 26.4 micron. The oocyst wall was composed of a yellowish outer layer and brownish inner layer and was about 1.5 micron thick. Neither micropyle, polar granules, nor oocyst residuum were present. A single, spherical sporocyst 18.2 by 17.9 micron was present; a Stieda body was absent. A spherical eccentrically located sporocyst residuum was present in many sporocysts, but it degenerated to form a dispersed granular residuum in other sporocysts. Eight randomly arranged sporozoites, 12.6 by 4.2 micron, were present in each sporocyst; they contained a centrally or slightly posteriorly located nucleus.     

Eimeria cicaki sp. n. and Isospora thavari sp. n. from the House Lizard Gehyra mutilata Boulenger in Malaysia*

SYNOPSIS. Oocysts and endogenous stages of new species of Eimeria and Isospora from the house lizard, Gehyra mutilata, are described. The ellipsoid to subspherical 2-layered oocysts of E. cicaki averaged 24.0 × 21.0 μm. Polar granules are present. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. Ellipsoid sporocysts average 12.2 × 9.0 μm. A sporocyst residuum is present, but the Stieda body is absent. Endogenous stages are in epithelial cells of the small intestine. The subspherical single-layered oocysts of I. thavari average 23.8 × 22.8 μm. The polar granule is present; micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. Ellipsoid sporocysts average 12.8 × 9.4 μm. Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. There are endogenous stages in epithelial cells of the small intestine.     

Eimeria cryptotis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the least shrew, Cryptotis parva (Insectivora: Soricidae), in north-central Texas

From March through November 1987, 14 least shrews, Cryptotis parva (Say), were collected in portions of north-central Texas and examined for coccidian parasites; only 1 (7.1%) was found to be passing oocysts. Eimeria cryptotis n. sp. is described herein as new and represents the only coccidian reported thus far from C. parva. Sporulated oocysts are subspherical, 16.4 x 15.3 (14-18 x 13-17) microns; shape index 1.1 (1.0-1.2) microns. A micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but a polar granule is present. The sporocysts are ovoid, 10.6 x 7.0 (9-11 x 6-8) microns; shape index 1.5 (1.4-1.8) microns. Stieda and substieda bodies and a sporocyst residuum are present. The sporozoites are elongate and only 2 could be observed well enough to measure (11.2 x 2.4 and 8.8 x 2.4 microns) because they are normally obscured by the sporocyst residuum. Sporozoites lack refractile bodies and contain a centrally located nucleus. The new species can be distinguished from the majority of insectivore coccidia on the basis of oocyst size.     

Two New Species of Eimeria from Peacocks (Pavo cristatus) in Saudi Arabia1

Fifteen fecal samples from peacocks (Pavo cristatus) in Saudi Arabia contained oocysts of Eimeria riyadhae n. sp. in two peacocks and oocysts of E. arabica n. sp. in one peacock. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria riyadhae are ellipsoidal, 27–30.5 times 20.5–25 (28.8 ± 1.3 × 22.4 ± 1.6) μm, with a two-layered wall and bilobed polar body, but without a micropyle or residuum. The sporocysts are ovoid, 11–14.5 × 6.5–8 (13.2 ± 1.2 × 7.2 ± 0.6) μm with a thick, knob-like Stieda body and a residuum. Sporulated oocysts of Eimena arabica are spheroidal, 17.5–21.5 × 17.5–21.5 (19.2 ± 1.6 × 19.2 ± 1.6) μm, with a two-layered wall and two refractile polar bodies, but without a micropyle or residuum. The sporocysts are elongate ovoid, 9.5–12 × 4–6.5 (11.2 ± 0.9 × 5.5 ± 0.88), with a small crescent-shaped Stieda body. The host bird belongs to the order Galliformis.     

Isospora dawadimiensis n. sp. (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) from the Jerboa (Jaculus jaculus) in Saudi Arabia

Isospora dawadimiensis n. sp. is described from the jerboa, Jaculus jaculus, from Dawadimi, Saudi Arabia. Sporulated oocysts of I. dawadimiensis n. sp. were ovoidal or nearly subspherical 22–26.5 times 20.5–22 μm (24.4 times 21.4 μm). Oocyst wall had one layer. Micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granule were absent. Sporocysts were ellipsoid 12–16.5 times 9–10.5 μm (14.6 times 9.9 μm). Sporocyst residuum was present. The sporocysts lack a Stieda body. Sporozoites 8–11 times 2–3 μm (10 times 2.6 μm) were sausage-shaped, slightly curved, and tapered at one end.     

New Species of Eimeria (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) from Malaysian Rats*

SYNOPSIS. Four new species of Eimeria were found in a survey of 255 rats of 14 species in Malaysia. E. tikusi n. sp. and E. edwardsi n. sp. are described from Edwards' rat Rattus edwardsi. The ellipsoidal, single-layered oocysts of E. tikusi average 30.3 by 24.4 μ. A micropyle is absent; a polar granule is present. Ovoid sporocysts average 14.2 by 9.8 μ. A sporocyst residuum and Stieda body are present. The ovoid, 2-layered oocysts of E. edwardsi average 29.1 by 21.8 μ. A micropyle is present; a polar granule is absent. Ellipsoidal to ovoid sporocysts average 14.5 by 6.5 μ. A sporocyst residuum is present; Stieda body is small or absent. E. surifer n. sp. is described from the red spiny rat Rattus surifer. Its ellipsoidal 3-layered oocysts average 34.7 by 24.8 μ. A micropyle is absent; a polar granule is present. The ellipsoidal sporocysts average 15.4 by 9.5 μ. A sporocyst residuum, Stieda body and sub-Stieda body are present. E. sabani n. sp. is described from the long-tailed giant rat R. sabanus. Its ellipsoidal 2-layered oocysts average 28.5 by 21.7 μ. A micropyle is absent; a polar granule is present. The ellipsoidal-to-ovoid sporocysts average 11.9 by 8.0 μ. A sporocyst residuum and Stieda body are present.     

Eimeria (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) of the Cottontail Rabbit Sylvilagus audubonii in Northeastern Colorado, with Descriptions of Three New Species

SYNOPSIS. All of 100 cottontail rabbits Sylvilagus audubonii were found to be infected with 1-6 species of Eimeria. Three new species, E. audubonii, E. neoirresidua and E. poudrei are described from this host. Sub-spherical oocysts of E. audubonii average 21.2 by 17.1 μ; polar body, micropyle, oocyst residuum and sporocyst residuum are all absent; ellipsoidal sporocysts average 12.9 by 5.8 μ. Ovoid to ellipsoidal oocysts of E. neoirresidua average 25.7 by 17.9 μ; polar body and oocyst residuum are absent; micropyle and sporocyst residuum are present; ellipsoidal sporocysts average 14.5 by 6.4 μ. Ovoid to ellipsoidal oocysts of E. poudrei average 26.0 by 18.1 μ; polar body is lacking; micropyle, oocyst residuum and sporocyst residuum are present; ellipsoidal sporocysts average 14.4 by 6.4 μ. Three species of Eimeria previously described in the literature, E. maior Honess, 1939, E. media form honessi Carvalho, 1943 and E. environ Honess, 1939 are redescribed. A detailed structural and statistical analysis of each species is presented with at least 200 sporulated oocysts measured in each instance. A host list and a key to the Eimeria of cottontails is given. The use of detailed studies of oocyst size and structure as a tool for specific diagnosis of the Eimeria of cottontails is discussed.     

Six new Eimeria species from vespertilionid bats of North America.

Twenty species of bats (Molossidae, Vespertilionidae) were collected from California, New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, and Baja California Norte (Mexico), and 29 of 404 (7%) animals, including Antrozous pallidus, Eptesicus fuscus, Myotis auriculus, Myotis californicus, Myotis ciliolabrum, Myotis evotis, Myotis lucifugus, Myotis thysanodes, Myotis vivesi, Myotis volans, Myotis yumanensis, and Nycticeius humeralis were infected with Eimeria spp., which represent 6 new species. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from A. pallidus are subspheroidal, 24.8 x 21.6 (22-27 x 19-24) microm with a polar granule and a large globular residuum. The oocyst wall is sculptured, with 2 layers, approximately 1.5 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 11.5 x 7.8 (9-13 x 7-10) microm, with Stieda body and residuum of many large granules. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from M. californicus are subspheroidal, 20.7 x 18.2 (19-23 x 16-20) microm, with 1-7 tiny polar granules, but without oocyst residuum. The oocyst wall is rough, with 2 layers, approximately 1.4 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 11.2 x 7.3 (10-12 x 7-8) microm, with Stieda body and a globular residuum. Sporulated oocysts of a second new species from M. californicus are subspheroidal, 23.1 x 20.7 (20-26 x 19-23) microm, with residuum and 1 polar granule, but a micropyle is absent. The oocyst wall is rough with 2 layers, approximately 1.5 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 12.5 x 7.2 (11-14 x 7-8) microm, with a Stieda body and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from M. ciliolabrum are subspheroidal, 24.9 x 20.1 (18-27 x 17-23) microm, with 1-2 polar granules, but without micropyle and residuum. The oocyst wall is rough with 2 layers, approximately 1.5 thick. Ellipsoidal sporocysts are 12.5 x 9.0 (8-14 x 7-10) microm, with Stieda and substieda bodies and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from M. evotis are subspheroidal, 21.3 x 18.6 (20-24 x 15-20) microm, with a prominent polar granule, but without micropyle and residuum. The oocyst wall is smooth with 2 layers, approximately 1.0 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 12.2 x 8.0 (11-13 x 7.5-9) microm, with Stieda and substieda bodies and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of the new species from N. humeralis are subspheroidal, 22.4 x 18 (21-24 x 17-20) microm, with 1-3 polar granules, but residuum and micropyle are absent. The oocyst wall is lightly sculptured with 2 layers, approximately 1.4 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 10.9 x 7.7 (9-12 x 6-8) microm, with Stieda body and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of E. pilarensis Scott and Duszynski, 1997 and those of at least 12 other morphological forms were seen in the other infected bats; these latter forms were seen in too few numbers to be adequately described as new species.     

Two new eimerians (Apicomplexa) from insectivorous mammals in Madagascar

Fecal samples from 126 insectivorous mammals in Madagascar were collected between spring 1999 and fall 2001. In the Afrosoricida, 21 species in 5 genera were sampled, including 17 species of Microgale (31/96, 32% infected), Hemicentetes semispinosus (1/2, 50%), Oryzorictes hova (1/5, 20%), Setifer setosus (8/13, 61.5%), and Tenrec ecaudatus (5/8, 62.5%); in the Soricomorpha, only Suncus murinus was examined and 1/2 (50%) were infected. Two morphotypes of eimeriid oocysts, representing 2 presumptive new species, were found in 47 (37%) infected animals; only 2 afrosoricid hosts (2% of all hosts, 4% of infected hosts) had both oocyst morphotypes. Sporulated oocysts of the first morphotype, Eimeria tenrececaudata n. sp., are subspheroidal, 18.8 × 17.4 (17-22 × 15-20), with a length∶width ratio (L/W) of 1.1 (1.0-1.2); they lack a micropyle but may contain 0-2 polar granules and a single, small round oocyst residuum, 3 × 2.3. Sporocysts are lemon-shaped, 9.9 × 6.6 (9-11 × 5-8), with a L/W of 1.5 (1.2-2.0); they have a prominent, slightly flattened Stieda body and a substieda body but lack a parastieda body. The sporocyst residuum consists of only a few granules between the sporozoites, which are sausage-shaped and have a large posterior refractile body. Oocysts of the second morphotype, Eimeria setifersetosa n. sp. are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 30.1 × 28.6 (27-34 × 25-34), with a L/W of 1.1 (1.0-1.2); they lack both micropyle and oocyst residuum, but 1-2 polar granules are usually present. Sporocysts are subspheroidal to broadly ellipsoidal, 9.6 × 7.3 (9-11 × 6-8), with a L/W of 1.3 (1.1-1.7); they have a broad Stieda body, lack sub- and parastieda bodies, and have a residuum of a few granules scattered throughout the sporocyst. Sporozoites were not clearly defined, but what seemed to be a single large refractile body is seen, presumably in each sporozoite.     

Coccidia of Malaysian Mammals: New Host Records and Descriptions of Three New Species of Eimeria*

SYNOPSIS. In a survey of parasites of wild mammals of Malaysia 3 new species of Eimeria were found. Eimeria tupaiae sp. n. is described from the common tree shrew, Tupaia glis. Its ellipsoidal to spherical, 3-layered oocysts average 20 × 19 μm. A micropyle is absent; an oocyst residuum and polar granule are present. Ellipsoidal sporocysts average 11 × 7 μm. A sporocyst residuum and Stieda body are present. Eimeria ptilocerci sp. n. is described from the pen-tail tree shrew, Ptilocercus lowii. The ellipsoidal to spherical, 2-layered oocysts average 23 × 20 μm. A micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent; polar granules are present. The ellipsoidal sporocysts average 13 × 7 μm. A sporocyst residuum and Stieda body are present. Eimeria muuli sp. n. is described from the pencil-tailed tree mouse, Chiropodomys gliroides. The ellipsoidal single-layered oocysts average 25 × 19 μm. A micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent; a polar granule is present. The ellipsoidal sporocysts average 13 × 8 μm. A sporocyst residuum and Stieda body are present. In addition, new host records are reported as follows: E. miyairii Ohira from Whitehead's rat Rattus whiteheadi and the Malaysian wood rat, R. tiomanicus; E. separata Becker & Hall from Mueller's rat, R. muelleri, the chestnut rat, R. fulvescens, and the Malaysian wood rat, R. tiomanicus; E. nieschulzi Dieben from the red spiny rat, R. surifer and the chestnut rat, R. fulvescens; and E. callosciuri Colley from the grey-bellied squirrel, Callosciurus caniceps and the black-banded squirrel, C. nigrovittatus.     

Three new species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the lesser seed-finch, Oryzoborus angolensis (Passeriformes: Emberizidae) from Brazil

Three new coccidian (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) species are reported from the lesser seed-finch, Oryzoborus angolensis from Brazil. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora curio n. sp. are spherical to subspherical; 24.6 x 23.6 (22-26 x 22-25) microm, shape-index (SI, length/width) of 1.04 (1.00-1.15). Oocyst wall is bilayerd, approximately 1.5 microm thick, smooth and colourless. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. The sporocysts are ovoid, 13.2 x 10.9 (15-17 x 10-13) microm, SI = 1.56 (1.42-1.71), with a small Stieda body and residuum composed of numerous granules scattered among the sporozoites. Sporozoites are elongated and posses a smooth surface and two distinct refractile bodies. Oocysts of Isospora braziliensis n. sp. are spherical to subspherical, 17.8 x 16.9 (16-19 x 16-18) microm, with a shape-index of 1.06 (1.00-1.12) and a smooth, single-layered wall approximately 1 microm thick. A micropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granules are absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoid and slightly asymmetric, 13.2 x 10.8 (12-14 x 9-12) microm, SI = 1.48 (1.34-1.61). Each sporocyst contains a barely visible Stieda body and a residuum composed numerous of granules. Sporozoites are elongated and each of them contains two distinct refractile bodies. Oocysts of Isospora paranaensis n. sp. are subspherical to broadly ellipsoid 24.3 x 19.8 (22-26 x 18-22) microm, SI = 1.22 (1.15-1.38) with smooth single-layered wall approximately 1.5 microm thick. A micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but one distinct ellipsoid polar granule (2.5-3.5 x 1.5-2.5 microm) is present. Sporocyst are ovoid, 15.7 x 10.1 (14-18 x 8-12) microm, SI = 1.46 (1.31-1.72), with distinct Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies. Each sporocyst contains a spherical sporocyst residuum, 4 microm in diameter All described isosporan species represent a possible cause of acute coccidiosis for O. angolensis in captivity.     

Coccidian Parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Insectivores. II. Six New Species from Japanese Shrew Moles (Talpidae)1

ABSTRACT. Thirty-eight of 51 (74.5%) shrew moles collected in Japan were infected with from one to four species of Eimeria and/or Isospora including six of six Dymecodon pilirostris and 32 of 45 (71.1%) Urotrichus talpoides. Four eimerians and two isosporans were identified and all are described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria amorphospora n. sp. were subspheroid/ellipsoid, 21.1 × 17.9(18-25 × 16-21) μm. Sporocysts were amorphous, gelatinoid envelopes 20.3 × 7.5 (17–24 × 7–9) μm. Sporozoites were enclosed together within a membrane in each sporocyst. This species was found in 9 of 45 (20%) U. talpoides. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria gonocilia n. sp. were subspheroid/ellipsoid, 28.8 × 24.4 (25–30 × 21–28) μm; a highly ornate outer oocyst wall gave the appearance of a ciliated ball. Sporocysts ovoid, pointed at both ends, were 17.0 × 9.0 (15–19 × 7–11) μm; this species was found in 4 of 45 (8.9%) U. talpoides. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria talpoidei n. sp. were asymmetrical ovoid, 20.6 × 13.3 (18–23 × 12–15) μm, with sporocysts lacrimiform, 12.0 × 5.8 (10–14 × 5–7) μm. This species was found in 7 of 45 (15.6%) U. talpoides. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria honshuensis n. sp. were ellipsoid, 15.5 × 11.4 (13–18 × 10–13) μm, with sporocysts ovoid, 9.1 × 5.2 (8–10 × 4–6) μm. This species was found in 10 of 45 (22.2%) U. talpoides and in 5 of 6 (83.3%) D. pilirostris. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora dymecodi n. sp. were subspheroid/ellipsoid, 15.8 × 12.6 (13–17 × 11–13) μm, with sporocysts ellipsoid, 10.9 × 6.9 (10–13 × 6–8). This species was found in six of six D. pilirostris. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora urotrichi n. sp. were spheroid/subspheroid, 13.4 × 12.4 (11–16 × 9–14) μm, with sporocysts ovoid, 9.2 × 6.3 (8–11 × 5–7) μm. This species was found in 27 of 45 (60%) U. talpoides. Only 14 of 38 (36.8%) infected hosts (one D. pilirostris, 13 U. talpoides) were seen to be naturally infected with only one coccidian species when sampled.     

Eimeria tahamensis N. Sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Arabian Quail (Coturnix delegorguei arabica)1

Eimeria tahamensis n. sp. is described from the harlequin quail (Coturnix delegorguei arabica) from Tahama, Saudi Arabia. The sporulated oocysts of E. tahamensis n. sp. are ellipsoid, 36.5–42 × 25.5–29 (41.2 ± 1.34 × 28.4 ± 0.81) μm, with a thick two-layered wall and one polar granule but without a micropyle or an oocyst residuum. The sporocysts are ovoid, 14–16 × 9–11.5 (15.3 ± 0.7 × 10.8 ± 0.64) μm, with a knob-like Stieda body and sporocyst residuum, but without a substiedal body. The sporozoites are often located transversely at the two ends of the sporocysts. The host bird belongs to the order Galliformes.     

Caryospora corallae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Sporozoea, Eimeriidae) from the Emerald Tree Boa Corallus caninus (Serpentes: Boidae)

Oocysts of Caryospora corallae n. sp. were isolated from the feces of three Emerald Tree Boas Corallus caninus. The spherical oocysts of C. corallae averaged 22.4 μn (range 18.7 to 24.6) in diameter and were lacking a micropyle and oocyst residuum; a polar granule was present. The ovoid sporocysts measured 19.1(17.6-20.0) × 13.1(11.7-14.0) μm and a sporocyst residuum and a Stieda body were present. The oocyst wall was approximately 1 μm thick. The sporulation was completed in about 5–6 days at 23 ± 2°C. This is the first report of the genus Caryospora from Corallus caninus a member of the Boidae.