Hepatozoon polytopis n. sp. parasitic in two genera and species of colubrid snakes in southern Florida

Hepatozoon polytopis, described from Coluber constrictor priapus from Palm Beach County, Florida, has short, usually broad gamonts 12.8 x 4.6 microm (10.0-15.0 x 3.5-6.0), with LW 58.5 microm2 (42-84) and L/W 2.84 (1.8-3.7). Nuclei commonly extend into first quarter of gamont (45%), are always present in second quarter, and seldom in third quarter (11%), with dimensions 4.5 x 3.4 (3.0-6.0 x 2.5-4.5) and LW 15.1 (10.0-24.0). Spherical to ovoid oocysts, 122.1 x 104.9 (62-240 x 57-190), with L/W 1.17 (1.0-1.9), contain 31.3 (3-103) sporocysts. Spherical to ovoid sporocysts, 38.0 x 33.9 (28-73 x 25-58), with LW 1,325.1 (756-4,168) and L/W 1.12 (1.0-1.4), contain 42.9 (22-64) sporozoites. Thamnophis sauritus sackenii from Palm Beach County is infected also by H. polytopis, as indicated from similar gamont dimensions and verified by isolation of an identical haplotype of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene from both host species.     

Hepatozoon species (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoidae) of the corn snake,Elaphe guttata (Serpentes: Colubridae) and the pigmy rattlesnake,Sistrurus miliarius barbouri (Serpentes: Viperidae) in south Florida

Hepatozoon guttata n. sp. is described from the corn snake (Elaphe guttata guttata) from south Florida. Gamonts average 14.6 x 4.6 (13-17 x 3.5-6) and are not recurved, with nucleus situated in the second quarter of the gamont. Erythrocyte cytoplasm rarely appears partially dehemoglobinized. The infected cells are usually distorted and are longer than the uninfected erythrocytes but do not differ in width; nuclei are smaller in length and width than those of uninfected cells. Sporogony in Aedes aegypti occurs within the head and the thorax but rarely in the abdomen. Oocysts are spherical to usually ovoid, 87.2 x 75.9 (45-155 x 40-152.5) and contain on average 7.1 (2-32) sporocysts. Sporocysts are spherical to ovoid, 34.8 x 31.0 (20-55 x 17.5-47.5), with 45.7 (14-89) sporozoites contained within. The pigmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius barbouri) in south Florida is parasitized by H. sistruri n. sp. Gamonts average 14.1 x 5.6 (12.6-15.8 x 4.7-6.3) in breadth and are not recurved, with the nucleus always situated in the second quarter of the gamont commonly at the midbody. Erythrocyte cytoplasm is not dehemoglobinized. The infected cells are always distorted and similar in length to the uninfected cells but with greater width and enlarged nuclei. Sporogony in A. aegypti occurs within head, thorax, and abdomen. Oocysts are spherical to usually ovoid, 163.6 x 154.7 (92-245 x 82-240) and contain 27.4 (12-42) sporocysts. Sporocysts are round to usually ovoid, 39.7 x 33.5 (25-50 x 20-50), with 45.7 (19-70) sporozoites.     

The status of Haemogregarina mansoni Sambon and Seligmann from Zamenis flagelliformis Laurenti

Haemogregarina mansoni Sambon and Seligmann 1907, a parasite of the coachwhip snake (Masticophis flagellum) is redescribed on the basis of sporogonic stages obtained in the experimental vector Aedes aegypti and designated as Hepatozoon mansoni from hosts collected in north Florida. Gamonts average 14.7 x 4.7 (13-16 x 4-6) and are not recurved, with nuclei situated in the second quarter of the gamont. Erythrocyte cytoplasm is often thin, appearing partially dehemoglobinized, or contracted into a central mass with infected erythrocytes always distorted, longer, and more slender than uninfected cells. Sporogony occurred within the head and thorax of A. aegypti. Oocysts were spherical to ovoid, 144.2 x 126.1 (79-198 x 69-178), containing on average 29.2 (7-64) sporocysts. Sporocysts were spherical to ovoid, 33.1 x 29.8 (19-48 x 18-44), with 20.2 (12-32) sporozoites contained within. Experimental infection in Tantilla relicta produced gamonts that did not differ from those in M. flagellum, but dehemoglobinization and cytoplasmic contraction of the host erythrocyte did not occur, and persistent merogonic stages were not present in the tissues.     

Hepatozoon species of the timber rattlesnake in northern Florida: description of a new species, evidence of salivary gland oocysts, and a natural cross-familial transmission of an Hepatozoon species

Two species of Hepatozoon, i.e., H. sauritus and H. horridus n. sp., were present in 1 of 8 timber rattlesnakes, Crotalus horridus. The narrow gamonts of H. sauritus are 15.0-19.0 x 3.5-5.0 microm, with LW 58-86 microm2 and L/W 3.2-4.7, with a narrow, rounded anterior end. The spherical to slightly ovoid oocysts produce ovoid to elongate sporocysts, 21-43 x 12-24 microm, L/W 1.20-2.7, containing on average 22.1 (10-34) sporozoites. This is the first report of a natural cross-familial transfer of a Hepatozoon species. Gamonts of H. horridus n. sp. are 13.0-17.0 x 4.0-6.0 microm, with LW 63-102 microm2 and L/W 2.6-4.0, and have broadly rounded ends. The gamont cytoplasm is vacuolated. The spherical to ovoid oocysts form spherical to elongate sporocysts 14-45 x 11-25 microm, L/W 1.0-2.3, producing an average of 13.0 (8-21) sporozoites. The salivary gland in 1 of 5 mosquitoes dissected contained 1 mature oocyst.     

Descriptions of six new species of Caryospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Guatemalan snakes (Serpentes: Colubridae and Viperidae)

One hundred and seventy snakes were collected in Guatemala and examined for coccidia. Of these, 8 individuals representing 6 host species were positive for Caryospora spp., 6 of which are described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Caryospora bothriechis n. sp. from Bothriechis aurifer are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 12.7 x 12.5 (12-14 x 12-13) microm, with a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.0; they lack a micropyle (M) or oocyst residuum (OR), but 1 large polar granule (PG) is usually present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 9.0-7.5 (8-10 x 7-8) microm, and have a L/W ratio of 1.2, and a Stieda body (SB) and sporocyst residuum (SR). Oocysts of Caryospora coniophanis n. sp. from Coniophanes imperialis are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 18.8 x 18.1 (17-20.5 x 16-20) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.0; they lack a M and OR, but 1 large PG is usually present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 13.2 x 9.4 (12-15 x 8-10) microm with a L/W ratio of 1.4, and a SB, substieda body (SSB), and SR. Oocysts of Caryospora conophae n. sp. from Conophis lineatus are spheroid to subspheroidal, 20.4 x 19.5 (17-26 x 17-25) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.0; they lack a M and OR, but 1 large PG is usually present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 13.1 x 9.8 (11-15 x 8-11) microm with a L/W ratio of 1.3 and a SB, SSB, and SR. Oocysts of Caryospora guatemalensis n. sp. from Lampropeltis triangulum are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 23.9 x 23.2 (20-27 x 20-26) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.0; they lack a M and OR, but 1 large PG is usually present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 14.4 x 10.6 (13-18 x 9-13) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.4 and a SB, SSB, and SR. Oocysts of Caryospora mayorum n. sp. from Conophis lineatus are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 25.6 x 24.4 (24-27 x 24-25) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.0; they lack a M and OR, but 1 large PG is usually present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 16.3 x 11.9 (16-18 x 11-13) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.4 and a SB, SSB, and SR. Oocysts of Caryospora zacapensis n. sp. from Masticophis mentovarius are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 22.5 x 21.8 (19-25 x 18-25) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.0; they lack a M and OR, but 1 large PG is usually present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 14.6 x 11.4 (11-16 x 10-13) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.3 and a SB, SSB, and SR.     

Rediscovery and redescription of Plasmodium pifanoi and description of two additional Plasmodium parasites of Venezuelan lizards

Plasmodium pifanoi Scorza and Dagert B., known only from the type host, Ameiva ameiva, is redescribed from Kentropyx calcarata collected in Territorio Amazonas, Venezuela. Schizonts, 6.2 x 4.5 (4-8 x 3-6), produce on average 11.9 (7-16) merozoites. Gametocytes average 12.4 x 6.0 (8-16 x 4-10), with length x width (LW) 72.9 (52-112) and L/W 2.18 (1.1-3.3), and always contain 1-5 prominent vacuoles. Macrogametocytes in active infection are longer than microgametocytes, with greater LW, but gametocytes in chronic infection are not sexually dimorphic in dimension and are slightly smaller. Two additional malarial parasites are described from K. calcarata. Plasmodium lepidoptiformis has small schizonts, 4.6 x 3.2 (3-6 x 2.5-3), that produce 5.1 (4-8) merozoites and commonly resemble a butterfly in appearance. Gametocytes are elongate, 9.0 x 4.3 (7-10 x 3-6), with LW 38.3 (24-51) and L/W 2.2 (1.3-3.3), and sexually dimorphic, with macrogametocytes longer than microgametocytes, with greater LW. Plasmodium minasense calcaratae is characterized by very small, usually fan-shaped, schizonts. 3.4 x 2.6 (2.5-4.5 x 2.0-3.0), that produce 3.9 (3-4) merozoites. Gametocytes are spherical or ovoid, 6.7 x 5.0 (4.5-9.0 x 3.0-7.0), with LW 33.7 (15-54) and L/W 1.4 (1.0-2.3), with no sexual dimorphism in dimensions.     

A new Haemocystidium (Apicomplexa: Plasmodiidae) species of the dhub lizard, Uromastyx aegyptia microlepis , in Abu Dhabi, distinguished by the absence of pigment

The spiny-tailed lizard, Uromastyx aegyptia microlepis , in Abu Dhabi is parasitized by Haemocystidium apigmentada n. sp., and 2 species of Hepatozoon . The elongate gametocytes of H. apigmentada are 13-19 × 6-9 μm, with length × width (LW) 90-133 μm(2), and L/W ratio 1.56-3.17. Gametocyte dimensions do not differ by sex. Gametocytes are unpigmented. Hepatozoon species 1 has gamonts with a consistently terminal nucleus, with dimensions of 13-16 × 4.5-7 μm, LW of 58-104 μm(2), and L/W ratio of 2.00-3.22. Hepatozoon species 2 gamonts have a broad nucleus at the midbody, and dimensions of 13-15.5 × 5-7 μm, LW of 71-109 μm(2), and L/W ratio of 1.93-3.00.     

Eimeria lepidosirenis n.sp. (Apicomplexa:Eimeriidae) of the South American lungfish Lepidosiren paradoxa (Osteichthyes:Dipnoi) from Amazonian Brazil

The mature oocysts of Eimeria lepidosirenis n.sp. are described in faeces removed from the lower region of the intestine of a single specimen of the South American lungfish Lepidosiren paradoxa, from Belém, state of Pará, Amazonian Brazil. Oocysts with endogenous sporulation: spherical to slightly subspherical, 30.8 x 30.3 microm (28.1 x 25.9 -33.3 x 31.8), shape-index (ratio length/width) 1.0, n = 25. Oocyst wall a very thin, single layer approximately 0.74 microm thick, smooth, colourless, with no micropyle and rapidly breaking down to release the sporocysts. Oocyst residuum a bulky ovoid to spherical mass of approximately 20.0 x 15 microm, composed of fine granules and larger globules and enclosed by a very fine membrane: no polar bodies seen. Sporocysts 15.5 x 9.0 microm (14.5 x 8.0 16.0 x 9.0), shape index 1.7 (1.6-1.8), n = 30, ovoid, with one extremity rather pointed and with a very delicate Stieda body but no sub-Stieda body: sporocyst wall a single extremely thin layer with no valves. Sporocyst residuum a spherical to ovoid mass of approximately 5.0 x 4.0 microm, composed of fine granules and small globules and enclosed by a very fine membrane. Sporozoites strongly recurved at their ends and apparently with only a single refractile body. Site of development in the host uncertain: no evidence of endogenous stages was found in fresh scrapings and stained smears of the intestinal epithelium.     

Two new species of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Madagascar Gekkonids

Two new species of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) are described from the Madagascar giant day gecko, Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis, and the Golddust day gecko, P. laticauda. Both species of coccidia were found to infect the anterior one-half of the small intestine. Oocysts of Eimeria brygooi n. sp. are spherical or subspherical, 23.0 X 21.3 (18.8-25.2 X 16.4-23.2)micron; shape index (L/W) 1.1 (1.0-1.2). A micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are ovoid, 9.2 X 7.9 (8.0-10.0 X 7.2-8.8) micron; shape index 1.2 (1.0-1.3), with a Goussia-type suture; Stieda and substieda bodies are absent. A sporocyst residuum is present, 4.2 X 3.0 (3.2-6.4 X 2.4-4.0) micron. Sporozoites are elongate, with anterior and posterior refractile bodies. This coccidian was found to infect five of six (83%) P. m. grandis and one of five (20%) P. laticauda examined. Oocysts of Isospora gekkonis n. sp. are spherical or subspherical, 24.2 X 22.0 (21.6-26.4 X 20.0-23.6) micron; shape index 1.1 (1.0-1.2). A micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent; polar granule present. Sporocysts are ovoid, 12.2 X 9.4 (11.2-12.8 X 8.4-10.0) micron, with Stieda and substieda bodies; shape index 1.3 (1.2-1.4). A sporocyst residuum is present, either compact, 5.1 X 4.2 (4.0-7.2 X 3.2-5.6) micron or diffuse. Sporozoites are elongate, with anterior and posterior refractile bodies. Isospora gekkonis was found in two of six (33%) P. m. grandis and one of five (20%) P. laticauda. In addition, oocysts of Cryptosporidium sp. were found in the cloacas of two of six (33%) necropsied P. m. grandis.     

Two new coccidian parasites from the slate-colored grosbeak (Pitylus grossus) of South America.

In July and August 1990, fecal samples from 2 slate-colored grosbeaks were collected from the rain forest of Ecuador. Upon examination, 2 new species of coccidia were discovered. Oocysts of Isospora pityli n. sp. are spheroid or subspheroid, 20.1 x 18.8 (20-20.5 x 17-20) microns, with a shape index of 1.07 (1.0-1.18) but lacking a micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granules. Sporocysts are ovoid, 14.7 x 9.4 (12-17 x 8-11) microns, with small nipplelike Stieda bodies, no substieda bodies, and residua composed of an amorphous cluster of coarse, nonuniform granules. Sporozoites each possess a large refractile body at 1 end and appear to be enclosed in a thin membrane within the sporocyst along with the residuum. Oocysts of L. formarum n. sp. are spheroid or subspheroid, 24.6 x 23.5 (21-27 x 20-25) microns, with a shape index of 1.05 (1.0-1.09) but with no micropyle, oocyst residuum, or polar granules. Sporocysts are ovoid, 15.7 x 11.3 (14-17 x 10-13) microns, with small, nipplelike Stieda bodies and large triangular or conical-shaped substieda bodies with irregular lower edges. Sporozoites each possess an oblong refractile body at 1 end and appear packed together randomly and enclosed in a membrane along with a spheroid residuum composed of fine, uniform granules.     

Description of the Oocysts of Two New Species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimerüdae) from the Florida Manatee, Trichechus manatus (Sirenia: Trichechidae)

Two new species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimerüdae) are described from the feces of the Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostrts (Sirenia: Trichechidae). Oocysts of Eimeria manatus n. sp. are spherical to subsphencal, 11.8 × 10.7 (10.5–13.5 × 9.0–13.5) μ m , with a smooth, thin, bilayered wall; shape index (length/width) 1.1 (1.0–1.3). Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent; polar granule(s) usually present. Sporocysts are ovoid, 8.6 × 5.1 (8.0–9.5 × 5.0–5.5) μm, with thin, membrane–like walls and a knoblike Stieda body; shape index 1.7 (1.4–1.8). Sporozoites elongate, each with a large posterior refractile body. The sporocyst residuum consists of a small cluster or row of few to many small granules. Oocysts of Eimeria nodulosa n. sp. are spherical to subspherical, 15.6 × 14.7 (14.5–17.5 × 13.0–16.0) μm, with a distinctly bilayered wall; shape index 1.1 (1.0–1.2). Unsporulated and freshly sporulated oocysts often possess large, knob–like structures on the external surface of the oocyst wall that support a thin membrane or filament. Micropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granule absent. Sporocysts are ovoid, 10.6 × 5.9 (9.5–12.0 × 5.0–6.5) μm, with a smooth, thin wall and knob–like Stieda body; shape index 1.8 (1.5–2.1). Sporozoites granular and elongate, each with a large posterior refractile body. The sporocyst residuum consists of a loose aggregate or scattered mass of moderately sized granules.     

Coccidia of Brazilian mammals: Eimeria corticulata n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the anteater Tamandua tetradactyla (Xenarthra: Myrmecophagidae) and Eimeria zygodontomyis n. sp. from the cane mouse Zygodontomys lasiurus (Rodentia: Cricetidae)

Feces from a specimen of Tamandua tetradactyla (Linn.) from Portel, Pará State, north Brazil, contained two different coccidial oocysts; one identified as Eimeria tamanduae Lainson 1968, and the other as a new species, described here as Eimeria corticulata n. sp. Oocysts of E. corticulata are ellipsoidal, 37.4 x 30.4 (31.2-43.7 x 23.7-35.0) microns, shape index (length/width) 1.2 (1.0-1.5). Oocyst wall 2.5-3.7 microns thick and composed of two layers; an outer thick, brown-yellow one with radial striations, and a thin inner smooth one: no visible micropyle. Oocyst residuum a large globule of about 10.7 x 10.3 microns, usually accompanied by a number of smaller attached globules. Sporocysts ellipsoidal, 21.0 x 11.0 (20.0-22.5 x 10.0-12.5) microns, with a conspicuous Stieda body; shape index 1.9 (1.6-2.2). Sporocyst residuum a small number of scattered granules: sporozoites 18.7 x 5.0 microns, with a large posterior refractile body. Eimeria zygodontomyis n. sp. is described in feces from Zygodontomys lasiurus (Lund) from the Serra dos Carajás, Pará. Oocysts ellipsoidal to cylindrical, 16.5 x 12.0 (13.7-18.7 x 11.2-12.3) microns, shape index 1.4 (1.2-1.5). Wall colorless, smooth, single-layered and about 0.6 micron thick: no micropyle. No oocyst residuum, but a polar granule of about 1.8 x 1.0 microns is sometimes present. Sporocysts ellipsoidal, 8.4 x 5.5 (7.5-8.7 x 5.0-6.2) microns, shape index 1.5 (1.4-1.7), with a thin colorless wall and a delicate Stieda body. Sporozoites enclose a compact residuum of about 2.5 x 3.7 microns.     

Eimeria waiganiensis sp. n. from the green-winged ground dove (Chalcophaps indica Linnaeus) and the magnificent ground pigeon (Otidiphaps nobilis Gould) in Papua New Guinea

Eimeria waiganiensis sp. n. is described from Green-winged ground dove (Chalcophaps indica Linnaeus) and the Magnificent ground pigeon (Otidiphaps nobilis Gould) in Papua New Guinea. Oocysts broadly ovoid, 22-25 by 19-23 micron (24 by 22 micron); L/W ratio 1.08-1.2 (1.1). Oocyst surface smooth, wall light brown, 1.5 micron thick, 1-layered, the inner surface appearing pitted. Micropyle (4-6 micron) and 2 to 4 polar granules present; oocyst residuum absent. Sporocysts ovoid, 9.0-10.5 by 6.0-7.5 micron (10 by 7 micron) with prominent conical Stieda body and small substieda body. Small, finely-granular sporocyst residuum is sanwiched between the sporozoites. The elongate-ovoid sporozoites possess distinct anterior and posterior refractile globules. Two of 4 ground doves and 1 of 3 ground pigeons were infected with E. waiganiensis sp. n.     

Eimeria species from the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis (Reptilia: Testudines), in Galicia (NW Spain), with description of two new species

Parasitological examination of feces from 44 Emys orbicularis from Galicia (NW Spain) revealed the presence of 2 new eimerian species, Eimeria gallaeciaensis sp. n. and E. emydis sp. n., as well as E. mitraria (Laveran and Mesnil, 1902) Doflein, 1909. Oocysts of E. gallaeciaensis n. sp. were found in 20 of 44 (45.4%) turtles and are subspherical to lightly ovoid-ellipsoid, 19.3 x 16.0 (17-22 x 15-18) microm, shape index 1.2 (1.1-1.3), with a smooth, single-layered wall. Micropyle and polar granule are absent, but an oocyst residuum is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoid, 9.7 x 5.1 (9-10 x 5-6) microm, shape index 1.9 (1.7-2.0), each with a sporocyst residuum and a conical Stieda body usually bearing 1-4 short and thin projections. Oocysts of E. emydis n. sp. were found in the feces of 5 of 44 (11.4%) turtles and are ovoid, rarely pear-shaped, 22.6 x 17.0 (20-25 x 15.5-18) microm, shape index 1.3 (1.2-1.5), with a smooth, single-layered wall with a slight thinning at the pointed end. Micropyle and polar granule are absent, and an oocyst residuum is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoid, 11.4 x 6.0 (9-13 x 5-7) microm, shape index 1.9 (1.6-2.2), each with sporocyst residuum and a prominent Stieda body bearing 3-5 club-shaped projections. In addition to the new species described, this is the first report of E. mitraria parasitizing E. orbicularis.     

Species of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in shrews from Alaska, U.S.A., and northeastern Siberia, Russia, with description of two new species

Fecal samples (n = 636) from 10 species of shrews collected in Alaska (n = 540) and northeastern Siberia (n = 96) were examined for the presence of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). Five distinct oocyst morphotypes were observed. Three types were consistent with oocysts of previously recognized coccidia species from other shrew hosts. These were Eimeria inyoni, E. vagrantis, and Isospora brevicauda, originally described from the inyo shrew (Sorex tenellus), dusky shrew (S. monticolus), and northern short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda), respectively. We found 5 new host records for E. inyoni, 3 for E. vagrantis, and 3 for I. brevicauda. The 2 additional oocyst morphotypes, both from the tundra shrew (Sorex tundrensis), are putative new species. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria beringiacea n. sp. are subspheroidal, 17.7 x 15.6 microm (14-24 x 13-20 microm) with a length (L)/width (W) ratio of 1.1 (1.0-1.4); these lack a micropyle (M), an oocyst residuum (OR), and a polar granule (PG). Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 10.3 x 6.1 microm (7-14 x 4-8 microm), with a L/W ratio of 1.7 (1.3-2.3) and have a Stieda body (SB), Substieda body (SSB), and sporocyst residuum (SR). Oocysts of Eimeria tundraensis n. sp. are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 24.8 x 23.5 microm (23-26 x 22-25 microm), with a L/W ratio of 1.1 (1.0-1.2); these lack a M and OR, but a single PG is present. Sporocysts are elongate ellipsoidal, 15.4 x 8.3 microm (13-17 x 7-9 microm), with a L/W ratio of 1.9 (1.4-2.1) and have a SB, SSB, and SR.     

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.     

Two Plasmodium species of the crocodile skink Tribolonotus gracilis from Irian Jaya, Indonesia

Two undescribed Plasmodium species were present in 1 of 8 New Guinea skinks, Tribolonotus gracilis. Plasmodium tribolonoti n. sp. is characterized by rounded or oblong schizonts 6.1 x 5.3 microm (5-7 x 4-7) that produce on average 14.3 merozoites (10-21), in no particular arrangement of nuclei. All parasitized proerythrocytes and had no effect upon dimensions of host cells or their nuclei. Gametocytes, mostly erythrocytic, averaged 7.2 x 6.3 (6.5-9.0 x 5.5-7.5), with length x width (LW) 45.5 microm2 (38-63) and L/W 1.15 (1.0-1.5). Gametocytes are not sexually dimorphic in size or shape and had no effect upon dimensions of host erythrocytes or their nuclei. Schizonts of P. gracilis n. sp. averaged 4.3 x 3.5 (3-6 x 3-5), with 4.9 merozoites (3-8) usually arranged as a fan, and had no effect upon dimensions of host erythrocytes or their nuclei. Gametocytes averaged 5.9 x 5.5 (5.0-6.6 x 5.0-6.0), with LW 31.9 microm2 (25-40) and L/W 1.06 (1.0-1.2). Gametocytes are not sexually dimorphic in size or shape and had no effect upon dimensions of host erythrocytes or their nuclei.     

A new Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), possessing mitra-shaped oocysts, from the Neotropical chelid turtle Batrachemys heliostemma (Testudines: Chelidae), and its comparison with Eimeria mitraria (Laveran & Mesnil 1902)

Eimeria jirkamoraveci sp. n. is described from faeces of two specimens of the toad-headed, side-necked turtle Batrachemys heliostemma collected at Iquitos in Peru. Oocysts are ovoid to almost spherical, 10.6 (8-12) x 8.9 (7-10) microm, without micropyle, polar granule and oocyst residuum. One conically stretched end and three blunt conical tubercles at the opposite end of oocyst give it mitra-like appearance. Sporocysts are elongated, ellipsoidal, 7.2 (6-8) x 4.1 (4-4.5) microm, with a small, knob-like Stieda body and sporocyst residuum composed of fine granules. To avoid possible conspecificity, the described new species is thoroughly compared with the most similar coccidium, E. mitraria, collected from its type host, Chinemys reevesii.     

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.