A comparative study on the biology of Cryptosporidium sp. from guinea pigs and Cryptosporidium parvum (Apicomplexa).

Cryptosporidium sp. from guinea pigs and C. parvum were compared morphologically, electrophoretically, and for the ability to infect suckling mice. Oocysts from guinea pigs measured 5.4 x 4.6 (4.8-5.6 x 4.0-5.0) microns and had a shape index (length/width) of 1.17 (1.04-1.33). Oocysts of C. parvum were similar and measured 5.2 x 4.6 (4.8-5.6 x 4.2-4.8) microns with a shape index of 1.16 (1.04-1.33). All suckling mice inoculated with oocysts of C. parvum became infected, whereas most, but not all, mice fed oocysts of the guinea pig isolate also became infected. However, mice inoculated with oocysts from guinea pigs produced on average 100-fold fewer oocysts by day 7 postinoculation than did mice infected with C. parvum, and the resulting infections were sparse and patchy along the ileum. Electrophoretic profiles were similar, but 125I surface labeling of outer oocyst wall proteins revealed striking differences between the two isolates. Cryptosporidium parvum had a wide molecular size range of 125I-labeled bands, whereas C. sp. from guinea pigs had a banding pattern clustered between 39 and 66 kDa, with a smaller number of bands greater than 100 kDa.     

Coccidia (Apicomplexa) from heteromyid rodents in the southwestern United States, Baja California, and northern Mexico with three new species from Chaetodipus hispidus

Fecal samples from 223 heteromyid rodents of 4 genera and 13 species were collected from California, New Mexico, and Texas and from Baja California Norte and Sonora, Mexico. Of these, 84 (38%) were infected with coccidian oocysts; 72 of 84 (86%) infected animals had only 1 species of coccidian. Eleven species of coccidia were identified including 1 cyclosporan and 10 eimerians; the cyclosporan and 2 of the eimerians are described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Cyclospora angimurinensis n. sp. were subspheroidal, 21.9 x 19.3 (19-24 x 16-22) microns, with sporocysts lemon-shaped, 11.9 x 9.5 (9-15 x 8-11) microns; it was found in 1 of 20 (4%) Chaetodipus hispidus. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria chaetodipi n. sp. were subspheroidal, 16.7 x 14.6 (13-19.5 x 12-17) microns, with sporocysts ovoidal, 8.7 x 6.6 (7.5-10.5 x 5-7.5) microns; it was found in 3 of 20 (15%) C. hispidus. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria hispidensis n. sp. were subspheroidal, 20.5 x 17.4 (17-23 x 14-21) microns, with sporocysts lemon-shaped, 9.3 x 7.2 (7.5-10.5 x 5-9) microns; it was found in 4 of 20 (20%) C. hispidus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Isospora mcquistioni and Isospora bioccai (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae): two new coccidian parasites from Carduelis sinica (Passeriformes, Fringillidae).

The following two species are described from Carduelis sinica (Greenfinch) from Italy. The oocysts of Isospora mcquistioni n. sp. were 26.0 x 22.6 (24.0-28.5 x 20.0-24.2) microns and ovoid with a smooth bilayered wall. Neither micropyle nor oocyst residuum were observed. One polar granule was found. Sporocysts were oval, 18.1 x 11.4 (16.0-19.8 x 11.0-12.0) microns, and with a symmetrical Stieda complex. The residuum was compact and spherical. Isospora bioccai n. sp. oocysts were spherical to subspherical and 24.0 x 23.6 (22.0-26.0 x 21.0-25.8) microns. The oocyst wall was smooth and bilayered. A micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent; 4 to 10 elongate polar granules were present. Sporocysts were 19.5 x 11.6 (18.0-20.0 x 10.0-12.4) microns, ellipsoidal, and with a symmetrical Stieda complex. The sporocyst residuum was diffuse and composed of a few granules.     

Natural infection of Cryptosporidium muris (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporiidae) in Siberian chipmunks

Coprologic examination of nine Siberian chipmunks (Eutamias sibiricus) imported from Southeast Asia revealed infection with Cryptosporidium sp. Experimental inoculation of BALB/c mice proved their susceptibility to the infection. Infected mice shed oocysts 14-35 days postinfection. Oocyst morphology was similar to that reported for C. muris in previous studies, oocysts were 8.1 (7.0-9.0) x 5.9 (5.0-6.5) microns. Clinical signs were absent in naturally infected chipmunks and experimental mice. Histologic examinations of mice revealed numerous developmental stages of C. muris in the glandular stomach. Analysis of partial small subunit rRNA gene sequences confirmed identity of these isolates as C. muris. Our results represent the first report of C. muris in members of the family Sciuridae.     

Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardia sp. infections in mountain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla beringei) of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

For conservation purposes and because of growing ecotourism, some mountain gorilla (Gorilla gorilla beringei) populations have been habituated to humans. Fecal specimens (n = 100) of nonhabituated and human-habituated gorillas (5 populations; 6 age classes) were tested for Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts and Giardia sp. cysts by conventional staining and immunofluorescent antibody (IFA). Cryptosporidium sp. infections (prevalence 11%) were not restricted to very young gorillas but were observed in 3-yr-old to >12-yr-old gorillas; most of the infections (73%) occurred in human-habituated gorillas. The prevalence of Giardia sp. infections was 2%; 1 nonhabituated gorilla was concomitantly infected. Oocysts of Cryptosporidium sp. in the gorilla stools were morphologically, morphometrically, and immunologically undistinguishable from a bovine isolate of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. Mean concentration of Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts and Giardia sp. cysts in gorilla stools was 9.39x10(4)/g, and 2.49x10(4)/g, respectively. There was no apparent relationship between oocyst concentration and gorilla age, sex, or habituation status. Most Cryptosporidium sp. infections found in gorillas with closest proximity to people may be a result of the habituation process and ecotourism. This study constitutes the first report of Cryptosporidium sp. infections in the family Pongidae, in the free-ranging great apes, and in the species of gorilla.     

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.     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from two species of caimans, Caiman yacare daudin and Caiman latirostris daudin (Alligatoridae), from Paraguay

From October 1986 to January 1987, feces from 119 Caiman yacare and 12 Caiman latirostris were collected in Paraguay and later examined for coccidian oocysts; 69 of 119 (58%) samples from C. yacare and 3 of 12 (25%) samples from C. latirostris contained coccidian oocysts. Two eimerians infected C. yacare and both are described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria paraguayensis n. sp. are ellipsoid, 34.0 x 23.6 (26-38 x 20-29) microns with sporocysts ovoid, 14.0 x 7.1 (10-19 x 6-10) microns. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria caimani n. sp. are spheroid, 22.4 (19-29) microns with sporocysts ovoidal, 12.9 x 6.5 (8-17 x 5-8) microns. Isospora jacarei infected C. latirostris and is redescribed. Sporulated oocysts of I. jacarei are sub-spheroid, 13.2 x 12.1 (10-18 x 10-15) microns with sporocysts ellipsoid, 10.4 x 5.8 (7-13 x 4-11) microns. To date, members of the Eimeriidae found in Crocodylia include 5 species of Eimeria and 2 of Isospora including the new species described here.     

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.     

Kidney sphaerosporosis with extrasporogonic stages in the blood in Baryancistrus sp. (Loricaridae) from Amazonian Brazil

Examined fish of the genus Baryancistrus (Loricaridae) from Rio Xingu in central amazonian Brazil were found infected with extrasporogonic stages of Sphaerospora sp. (Myxosporea) in the blood and sporogonic stages in the glomeruli with the resulting escape of the sporogony products into the renal tubules, apparently when the mesangial tissue in the Bowman's capsule collapsed. Spores were seen evacuating via the urinary tubules. Blood stages were initially 2.1 x 2.8 to 2.8 x 2.8 microns in size, and when fully differentiated reached 5.6 x 5.6-5.6 x 7.0 microns; in blood smears they were 11.2 x 8.4 to 14 x 8.4 microns. Bisporoblasts in the glomerular taft were 9.8 x 7.0 microns, premature spores were 5.6 x 4.2-5.6 microns.     

Three new species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Apalone spinifera pallidus (Testudines: Trionychidae) in Texas, with a redescription of E. amydae

Three new species of Eimeria are described from pallid spiny softshells, Apalone spinifera pallidus, collected in north-central Texas. Oocysts of Eimeria spinifera n. sp. were found in the feces of 3/9 (33%) turtles and are subspheroid, ellipsoid, or pear-shaped, 16.3 x 14.0 (14-19 x 12-18) microns, with a thin, single-layered wall; shape index 1.2 (1.1-1.3). A micropyle is absent, but an oocyst residuum is present; polar granule present in 16% of the oocysts. Sporocysts are elongate-ovoid, 10.3 x 5.2 (8-12 x 5-6) microns, each with a Stieda body bearing short filaments. Oocysts of Eimeria apalone n. sp. were found in 5/9 (56%) turtles and are ellipsoid, elongate pear-shaped, or subspheroid, 16.8 x 13.2 (12-19 x 10-16) microns, with a thin, single-layered wall; shape index 1.3 (1.0-1.5). A micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are elongate-ovoid, 11.3 x 6.2 (9-14 x 5-7) microns, each with a prominent Stieda body. Oocysts of Eimeria pallidus n. sp. were found in 4/9 (44%) A. s. pallidus and are spheroid or subspheroid, 23.4 x 21.6 (18-27 x 17-25) microns, with a thin, single-layered wall; shape index 1.1 (1.0-1.3). A micropyle is absent, but an oocyst residuum is present; polar granule present in 20% of the oocysts. Sporocysts are elongate-ovoid, 14.3 x 6.2 (13-17 x 6-7) microns, each with a Stieda body and short filaments. In addition to the new species, 3 previously described eimerians, including Eimeria amydae Roudabush, 1937, which is redescribed, were also found.     

Haematozoa of fishes in Humboldt Bay, California.

Five hundred seven fish representing 45 species from Humboldt Bay, California (USA) were examined for blood parasites. Four fish (less than 1%) from two species were infected. Haemogregarina leptocotti sp. n. is described from one of 33 staghorn sculpin (Leptocottus armatus). Haemogregarina roelofsi sp. n. is described from three of 15 black rockfish (Sebastes melanops). Gametocytes of H. leptocotti sp. n. averaged 6.1 x 2.1 microns with a 2.7 x 1.7 microns oval nucleus; those of H. roelofsi sp. n. averaged 5.5 x 2.7 microns with a 2.5 x 2.2 microns rectangular nucleus. Neither species of parasite had distinct chromatin granules, a polar cap, or more than one gametocyte in an infected cell. Haematozoa are relatively rare in fishes of the northeastern Pacific Ocean.     

Eimeria pipistrellus n. sp. from Pipistrellus kuhlii (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in Saudi Arabia

Fecal samples from 12 Pipistrellus kuhlii captured at Shagrah, Saudi Arabia, were examined for coccidia and three (25%) found to harbor a undescribed eimerian, herein described as Eimeria pipistrellus n. sp. Sporulated oocysts were subspherical, 24.8 x 23.2 (22-27 x 20-25) microns, with a bilayered and smooth wall. The micropyle was absent, but a large oocyst residuum and a single polar granule were present. Sporocysts were ovoid, 11.6 x 8.3 (10.5-13 x 7.5-9) microns, with a prominent Stieda body, but without a substiedal body; sporozoites lay head to tail in sporocysts and contained one large posterior refractile body. Eimeria pipistrellus n. sp. is the 3rd species of the genus Eimeria found from bats of the genus Pipistrellus.     

Plasmodium kentropyxi n.sp. (Apicomplexa: Haemosporina: Plasmodiidae) and a Plasmodium tropiduri-like parasite in the lizard Kentropyx calcarata (Lacertilia: Teiidae) in north Brazil

Plasmodium kentropyxi n.sp. is described in the teiid lizard Kentropyx calcarata from north Brazil. Young asexual stages and gametocytes are at first polar in the erythrocyte but with elongation, move to a lateral position. Largest meronts seen contained from 30-40 nuclei and conspicuous greenish-black pigment granules located in a distinct vacuole. With growth the gametocytes eventually assume a smooth, curved cylindrical shape, with evenly rounded ends. Pigment is scattered or concentrated around a conspicuous vacuole which is slowly developed as the gametocytes mature. Mature male parasites measured 11.8 x 4.0 microns (9.6 x 4.2 - 13.2 x 3.6 microns), shape-index 2.9 (2.2 - 5.0), and females 13.5 x 4.5 microns (12.0 x 4.5 - 15.0 x 4.8 microns), shape-index 3.0 (2.2 - 3.8). Some larger meronts may slightly enlarge the erythrocyte, but most asexual stages and the mature gametocytes rarely do so. A second, P. tropiduri-like parasite encountered in K. calcarata possessed small rounded or fan-shaped meronts producing from 4-14 merozoites, and spherical to subspherical gametocytes of approximately 6.0 x 5.0 microns. The parasite was consistently polar in its position in the erythrocyte.     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from insectivores. IV. Four new species in Talpa europaea from England

Moles from England were examined for coccidian oocysts and all 64 Talpa europaea were infected; of 64 infected hosts, 56 (88%) had multiple infections representing two to six coccidian species when examined. Oocysts in 31 of the 64 samples remainedunsporulated. Three eimerians and one isosporan were studied from the 33 fecal samples that had sporulated oocysts and these are described as new species; Cyclospora talpae Pellérdy & Tanyi, 1968, and Isospora sofiae (Golemansky, 1978) Levine & Ivens, 1979, are redescribed; and Cyclospora sp., similar to C. talpae, is discussed. Sporulated oocysts of C. talpae are ellipsoidal, 14.3 X 9.6 (12-19 X 6-13) microns with sporocysts ovoid, 9.4 X 5.7 (6-13 X 4-8) microns; it was found in 21 of the 33 (63.6%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Cyclospora sp. are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal, 12.5 X 8.9 (10-14 X 6-12) microns with sporocysts ovoid, 8.6 X 5.3 (6-10 X 4-6) microns; it was found in 21 of the 33 (63.6%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria avonensis n. sp. are elongate-ellipsoidal, 15.0 X 9.6 (13-20 X 7-12) microns with sporocysts ovoid, 6.6 X 3.6 (5-9 X 3-7) microns; it was found in 15 of the 33 (45.5%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria berea n. sp. are subspheroidal, 12.1 X 10.5 (10-15 X 8-14) microns with sporocysts ovoid, 6.3 X 3.9 (5-10 X 2-5) microns; it was found in 8 of the 33 (24.2%) sporulated samples.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp. infection in diarrheic and non-diarrheic humans in Iran

For evaluation of the prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp. infection in diarrheic and non-diarrheic humans in Iran, fecal specimens from diarrheic (n = 129) and non-diarrheic humans (n = 271) were collected and examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts. The presence of Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts was determined by Ziehl- Neelsen acid-fast staining. Humans were grouped according to their age as follows: younger than 15, 16-25, 26-35, 36-50, and over 51 years. The results showed that the overall prevalence of infection in all 400 samples was 10.8%, but the prevalence (25.6%) in diarrheic humans was higher than that (3.7%) in non-diarrheic humans. Oocysts of Cryptosporidium sp. were detected in the feces of 21.4%, 9.3%, 8.8%, 6.7% and 5.7% of different age groups, respectively. The intensity of oocysts was significantly higher in diarrheic humans than in non-diarrheic ones. There was a significant association between Cryptosporidium sp. infection and occurrence of diarrhea (P < 0.05). The results indicate that Cryptosporidium sp. infection is prevalent in diarrheic humans in Iran.     

A new species of coccidian (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the prairie racerunner, Cnemidophorus sexlineatus viridis (Sauria: Teiidae), in Arkansas.

Feces from 26 prairie racerunners, Cnemidophorus sexlineatus viridis Lowe, 1966, from Arkansas, were examined for coccidian parasites. One of these was found to be infected with oocysts of an undescribed eimerian, which is described herein as new. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria sexlineatus n. sp. were cylindrical, 30.4 x 17.1 (28-32 x 16-19) microns, with a shape index (length/width) of 1.8 (1.6-2.0). A micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent but 1 (to several) polar granule(s) was present. Sporocysts were ellipsoidal, 10.7 x 8.5 (9.6-11.2 x 8.0-8.8) microns, with a shape index of 1.3 (1.2-1.4). A sporocyst residuum was present but Stieda, substieda, and parastieda bodies were absent. Sporozoites were elongate, 13.2 x 2.7 microns (12.0-14.4 x 2.4-3.2) in situ, containing a single, spherical posterior refractile body. Oocysts and endogenous developmental stages were found within the gall bladder epithelium of the infected lizard. This represents the first time a coccidian has been reported from a North American whiptail lizard.     

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.     

Eimeria gozaishoensis n. sp. from the Formosan serow (Capricornis crispus swinhoei)

Eimeria gozaishoensis n. sp. was found in the Formosan serow (Capricornis crispus swinhoei). The oocysts were ovoid, 29.41 +/- 0.58 x 20.77 +/- 0.41 microns with a bilayered wall. A micropyle and micropylar cap were observed, but a polar granule and oocyst residuum were absent. Sporocysts were ovoid, 11.78 +/- 0.30 x 7.60 +/- 0.31 microns, with sporocyst residuum and Stieda body. The new species differs from other known species of the genus by the morphology of oocysts and that domestic goats apparently could not be infected. The sporulation time was 6 to 7 days.     

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.