Description of the oöcysts of two new species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the rough earth snake Virginia striatula (Serpentes: Colubridae) in Texas and Arkansas

Coccidian oöcysts recovered from the faeces of rough earth snakes Virginia striatula (Serpentes: Colubridae) were found to represent two previously unreported eimerians. Oöcysts of Eimeria desotoensis n. sp. were found in 5/32 (16%) of the snakes and were spherical to ellipsoidal, 18.4 × 17.2 (15–21.5 × 15–19.5) μm, with a thin, single-layered wall; their shape-index (length/width) was 1.07 (1.00–1.23). A micropyle and oöcyst residuum were absent; polar granule were present in 33% of the oöcysts. The sporocysts were ovoidal, 11.5 × 7.6 (10.5–13 × 7–8) μm, with a Stieda body; their shape-index was 1.51 (1.30–1.68). The sporocyst residuum was moderate in size and composed of a cluster of granules. Oöcysts of Eimeria hobartsmithi n. sp. were found in 2/32 (6%) of the snakes and were subspherical to ellipsoidal, 18.0 × 15.7 (16–20 × 15–17) μm, with a thin, single-layered wall; their shape-index was 1.15 (1.02–1.32). A micropyle, oöcyst residuum and polar granule were absent. The sporocysts were elongate, 13.2 × 6.3 (12–14.5 × 6–6.5) μm, with a Stieda body; their shape-index was 2.10 (1.88–2.34). A large sporocyst residuum was present in each sporocyst, often obscuring the sporozoites. In addition to the two new species, oöcysts of E. striatula Upton & McAllister, 1990 were observed in 38% of the snakes.     

Four new coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Plateau zokor,Myospalax baileyi Thomas (Rodentia: Myospalacinae), a subterranean rodent from Haibei area,Qinghai Province,China

Thirty-eight faecal samples from the Plateau zokor, Myospalax baileyi Thomas, collected in the Haibei Area, Qinghai Province, China, were examined for the presence of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). Seventeen of 38 faecal samples (44.7%) were found to contain coccidian oöcysts representing four new species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875, and four of 17 (23.5%) infected zokors were concurrently infected with two or three of these eimerian species. The sporulated oöcysts of Eimeria myospalacensis n. sp. are ovoidal, 9.5–17.0 × 8.0–13.0 (mean 13.0 × 10.4) μm; a polar granule is present, oöcyst residuum is absent; sporocysts are ovoidal, 4.5–7.5 × 3.0–5.0 (mean 6.3 × 4.2) μm and have both a Stieda body and residuum. Oöcysts of Eimeria fani n. sp. are ellipsoidal to cylindroidal, 12.5–16.0 × 8.0–11.0 (mean 14.6 × 9.9) μm; a polar granule is present, but micropyle and residuum are lacking; sporocysts are ovoidal, 4.5–7.5 × 3.0–5.3 (mean 6.7 × 4.4) μm; a residuum and a Steida body are present. Oöcysts of Eimeria baileyii n. sp. are ellipsoidal, 15.0–23.0 × 12.0–18.0 (mean 18.2 × 13.7) μm; a polar granule is present but oöcyst residuum is absent; sporocysts are ovoidal, 8.0–11.0 × 5.0–7.0 (mean 9.5 × 5.9) μm and have both a Stieda body and residuum. Oöcysts of Eimeria menyuanensis n. sp. are ovoidal, 12.5–21.0 × 11.0–18.0 (mean 17.1 × 14.6) μm, with a distinct micropyle c.2.5 μm wide; a polar granule is present but a residuum is absent; sporocysts are ovoidal, 8.0–12.0 × 5.0–7.0 (mean 10.2 × 6.4) μm, and have both a Stieda body and residuum.     

Two new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eimeria</Emphasis> Schneider, 1875 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gerbilliscus guineae</Emphasis> Thomas (Rodentia: Gerbillinae) in the Niokolo Koba National Park,Senegal

We describe two new species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 from the gerbiline rodent Gerbilliscus guineae in the Niokolo Koba National Park, Senegal. Faecal examination of samples revealed the presence of sporulated oöcysts of two eimerian coccidia, both possessing an oöcyst residuum. Eimeria permira n. sp. is remarkable in terms of oöcyst size and oöcyst wall texture. Sporulated oöcysts are ellipsoidal, 45.8 (42–50) × 32.5 (31–38) μm; the oöcyst wall is 3–4 μm thick, composed of three layers, with the outer layer sheathed by rough granular material; and the sporocysts are broadly ellipsoidal, 15.4 (15–16) × 11 and with a Stieda body present. Oöcysts of Eimeria gerbillisci n. sp. are subspherical, 22.5 (19.5–24) × 18.8 (16.5–20) μm, with a colourless, faintly granulated oöcyst wall 1.5 thick; and the sporocysts are 10.1 (10–12) × 6.7 (6–8), broadly ellipsoidal and often somewhat pointed towards both ends.     

Description of the oöcysts of theree new species ofEimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from geckoes (Auria: Gekkonidae)

Three new species ofEimeria are described from the faeces of geckoes. Oöcysts ofEimeria vittati n. sp. fromGekko vittatus are elongate-ellipsoid 34.3 × 16.9 (32.5–36.5 × 16.5–17.5) μm; shape index (mean length/mean width) 2.03. Its sporocysts are ovoid 11.0 × 6.5 (10–12.5 × 5–7.5) μ; shape index 1.7. Oöcysts ofE. simonkingi n. sp. were found inG. vitttus and two subspecies ofPhelsuma lineata, and are spherical to subspherical 20.5 × 19.4 (19.5–22 × 17.5–21) μm; shape index 1.06. Its sporocysts are ellipsoidal 9.9 × 5.9 (8–11.5 × 5.5–7) shape index 1.7. Oöcysts ofE. tokayae n. sp. fromG. gecko were spherical or subspherical, 18.3 × 18.2 (17–21 × 13–20.5) μm; shape index 1.01. Its sporocysts are ellipsoidal 9.2 × 5.9 (8–11.5 × 5.5–7) All of the new species ofEimeria from gekkonid lizards described since 1986 are listed in a reference table, and details of their oöcyst and sporocyst measurements and their morphology are given.     

Description of the oöcysts of Eimeria whitakeri n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from least shrews,Cryptotis parva (Insectivora: Soricidae)

Oöcysts of Eimeria whitakeri n. sp. are described from the faeces of the least shrew, Cryptotis parva (Insectivora: Soricidae), from Texas, USA. The oöcysts are spherical to subspherical, 17.4 × 16.4 (15–19 × 13–18.5) μm, with a bi-layered wall; their shape-index (length/width) is 1.1 (1.0–1.2). A micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent, but a large polar granule is present. The sporocysts are ovoidal, 11.2 × 7.5 (9.5–12 × 6.5–8) μm, with Stieda and substieda bodies; their shape-index is 1.5 (1.4–1.6). The sporozoites each possess both anterior and posterior refractile bodies.     

Description of the oöcysts of Eimeria septemvittata n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from queen snakes,Regina septemvittata (Serpentes: Colubridae), in Arkansas

Coccidian oöcysts recovered from the feces of queen snakes, Regina septemvittata, from Arkansas, USA, were found to represent a previously unreported eimerian. Oöcysts of Eimeria septemvittata n. sp. are spherical or subspherical, 14.6×14.0 (12–16×12–15) μm, with a thin, bi-layered wall; the shape-index (length/width) is 1.04 (1.00–1.17). The micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent but a large polar granule is present. The sporocysts are ovoidal, 11.3×5.6 (9.5–13.5×5–6) μm and possess a Stieda body; the shape-index is 2.02 (1.81–2.50). Each sporozoite contains a large, centrally located refractile body and a generally smaller, posterior refractile body.     

New species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the domesticated goat Capra hircus in New Zealand

Three new species of the genus Eimeria Schneider, 1875 are described from the faeces of domesticated goats in New Zealand. Oöcysts of E. capralis n. sp. are ellipsoidal, 29.2 × 19.7 (25–34 × 17–24) μm, with a distinct micropylar cap. The sporocysts are broadly ovoid, the Stieda body is present and the sporocyst residuum consists of many scattered granules. Sporozoites lie lengthwise head to tail in the sporocyst. Oöcysts of E. masseyensis n. sp. are broadly ellipsoid to ovoid, 22.3 × 17.4 (18–25 × 15–19) μm, with a distinct micropylar cap. The polar granules are shattered into fine granules, the sporocysts are elongate ovoid and the Stieda body is present. Oöcysts of E. charlestoni n. sp. are ellipsoidal, 22.9 × 17.4 (20–25 × 16–19) μm, with no micropylar cap. Its oöcysts are distinctive, with elongate sporocysts containing very prominent refractile bodies.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Eimeria maricopensis</Emphasis> n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Arizona cotton rat <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sigmodon arizonae</Emphasis> Mearns (Rodentia: Cricetidae) in central Arizona,USA

Eimeria maricopensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described from 2 of 15 (13%) Arizona cotton rats Sigmodon arizonae Mearns in Arizona, USA. Sporulated oöcysts of this new species are ovoidal to ellipsoidal, 20–28 × 16–22 (24.9 × 19.2) µm, with a smooth, bi-layered wall; both micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent, but fragmented polar granule material is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 11–14 × 6–8 (12.9 × 7.0) µm, with a Stieda body, sub-Stieda body, and sporocyst residuum; sporozoites are elongate with a spheroidal anterior refractile body and a subspheroidal posterior refractile body. In addition, sporulated oöcysts of Eimeria sigmodontis Barnard, Ernst & Dixon, 1974, Eimeria tuskegeensis Barnard, Ernst & Dixon, 1974 and Eimeria webbae Barnard, Ernst & Dixon, 1974 are described from S. arizonae. This is the first report on the coccidia of S. arizonae.     

Nomenclatural correction — Eimeria chalcides (Probert,Roberts & Wilson, 1988) n. comb. for Tyzzeria chalcides (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae)

The following nomenclatural correction is made: a new combination, Eimeria chalcides (Probert, Roberts &; Wilson, 1988) for Tyzzeria chalcides Probert et al., 1988 from the ocellated skink Chalcides ocellatus. The sporulated oöcyst is redescribed and compared with other Eimeria spp. reported from the family Scincidae in order to verify the species. Oöcysts of E. chalcides are cylindrical, 35 × 18.6 (32–37 × 17–20.5) μm with a thin bi-layered wall; the shape-index (mean length/mean width) is 1.88. A micropyle, oöcyst residuum and polar granule are absent. The sporocysts are broadly ellipsoidal, 11.9 × 8.9 (8.5–13 × 7.5–11) μm and without a Stieda body; the shape index is 1.35.     

A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Isospora</Emphasis> Schneider, 1881 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in Ruppell’s agama <Emphasis Type="Italic">Agama rueppelli</Emphasis> (Vaillant) (Sauria: Agamidae) from East Africa,with a review of this genus in agamid lizards

Coprological examinations of eight Ruppell’s agamas Agama rueppelli (Vaillant) revealed the presence of a coccidium of the genus Isospora Schneider, 1881 that represents a previously undescribed species. Oöcysts of Isospora farahi n. sp. are spherical or subspherical, 29.1 (26–31) × 28.8 (26–31) μm, with a shape-index of 1.01 (1–1.07). An oöcyst residuum, polar granules and micropyle are absent. The oöcyst wall is bilayered, brownish and smooth, c. 1.5–2 μm thick. The sporocysts are oval, 16.6 (15–18) × 11.4 (11–12) μm, with a shape-index of 1.46 (1.25–1.64) and both Stieda and substieda bodies. A sporocyst residuum is present as medium-sized granules scattered irregularly among the sporozoites. The sporozoites are vermiform, with a large posterior spherical refractile body. Endogenous development is intranuclear in the epithelial cells of the small intestine. Sporulation is unknown, as oöcysts were recovered from the faeces.     

A survey on coccidian infection of Lake Biwa fishes in Japan,with the description of four new species of Goussia Labbé, 1896 (Apicomplexa)

Thirty-two specimens of 11 freshwater fish species from Lake Biwa, Japan were surveyed for coccidian infections. Four fish species proved to be infected with apicomplexans belonging to the genus Goussia. Altogether, seven Goussia species were found. Oöcysts of four species inhabiting the intestinal epithelium were shed at the sporulated stage. Two other intestinal species left the fish unsporulated. A few relatively large and aged oöcysts of a further species were found in the renal tubules. The sporulated intestinal species were described as Goussia biwaensis n. sp., G. grygieri n. sp., G. nipponica n. sp. and G. wakabayashii n. sp.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Eimeria abmitu</Emphasis> n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the razor-billed curassow <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mitu tuberosum</Emphasis> Spix (Galliformes: Cracidae)

A new species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 from a cracid bird, Mitu tuberosum Spix, held in captivity is described from Brazil. Oöcysts of Eimeria abmitu n. sp. are ovoid, with a smooth, colourless, bilayered wall, measure 24.2 × 15.5 μm and have a length/width ratio of 1.56. The sporulated oöcysts contain two to five polar granules and four ellipsoidal sporocysts measuring 13.6 × 6.4 μm, each with a small crescent-shaped Stieda body, a sub-Stieda body, a loosely granular sporocyst residuum and two comma-shaped sporozoites each with a spherical refractile body.     

A survey of coccidian infections of freshwater fishes of Peninsular Malaysia,with descriptions of three species of Goussia Labbé, 1896 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae)

Ninety-five specimens of 14 freshwater fish species from small streams in the Kuala Terengganu district and the Lake Kenyir Reservoir, Malaysia, were surveyed for coccidian infections. Six fish species proved to be infected with apicomplexans belonging to the genus Goussia. In all of these fishes Goussia species were found in unsporulated and semisporulated stages. Oöcysts of four species inhabiting the intestinal epithelium became sporulated in tap-water within 24 hours. In two fish species sporulation failed and only unsporulated oöcysts were recorded in the intestine. Three of the intestinal species finishing sporulation proved to be new to science and were described as Goussia malayensis n. sp., G. bettae n. sp. and G. pogonognathi n. sp. from Apocheilus panchax, Betta splendens and Hemirhamphodon pogonognatus, respectively. The fourth species, found in Trichogaster pectoralis, was identified as G. trichogasteri Székely &; Molnár, 1992, a species known from aquarium-cultured T. trichopterus.     

Eimeria atheridis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), a new coccidium from the western bush viper Atheris chlorechis (Pel, 1851) from tropical Africa

Coprological examination of nine bush vipers Atheris chlorechis imported from Ghana revealed the presence of a new coccidian species belonging to Eimeria Schneider, 1875. Thin walled oöcysts of Eimeria atheridisn. sp. are spherical to slightly subspherical, 22.8 (19–26) × 22.5 (19–25) μm, without micropyle, polar granule and oöcyst residuum. Sporocysts are elongately ellipsoidal, 17.1 (15–19) × 7.5 (6–8) μm, with a dome like, relatively flat Stieda body. Sporozoites possess two refractile bodies and distinct transversal striation. Based on the presence of a Stieda body the species described herein clearly belongs to the Eimeria (sensu stricto).     

A survey of coccidian infection of freshwater fishes in South Africa,with the description of Goussia anopli n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae)

Seventy-seven specimens of seven freshwater fish species harvested in four sites from rivers and ponds of the Gauteng, North West and Limpopo Provinces (South Africa) were surveyed for coccidian infections. Two fish species were infected with apicomplexans belonging to Goussia Labbé, 1896. In banded tilapia Tilapia sparrmanii Smith unsporulated oöcysts of G. vanasi (Landsberg &; Paperna, 1987) were found which became sporulated in tap-water within 24 hours. Another species in the gut of chubbyhead barb Barbus anoplus Weber harboured sporulated oöcysts in the faeces and in the intestinal epithelium. The latter species has been described as G. anopli n. sp.     

A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cystoisospora</Emphasis> Frenkel, 1977 (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oecomys mamorae</Emphasis> Thomas (Rodentia: Cricetidae) in the Brazilian Pantanal

Despite the great diversity of coccidians, to our knowledge, no coccidian infections have been described in Oecomys spp. In this context, we examined Oecomys mamorae Thomas (Rodentia: Cricetidae) from the Brazilian Pantanal for infections with enteric coccidia. Nine individuals were sampled, and one was found to be infected. The oöcysts were recovered through centrifugal flotation in sugar solution. Using morphological and morphometric features, we described a new species of Cystoisospora Frenkel, 1977. Sporulated oöcysts were ovoidal 20.0–29.1 × 16.4–23.2 (26.7 × 21.2) µm and contained two sporocysts, 12.9–19.1 × 9.4–13.9 (16.4 × 12.4) µm, each with four banana-shaped sporozoites. Polar granule and oöcyst residuum were both absent. We documented the developmental forms in the small intestine and described the histopathological lesions in the enteric tract. Our results indicate that the prevalence of Cystoisospora mamorae n. sp. in O. mamorae is low, and tissue damage in the enteric tract is mild, even in the presence of coccidian developmental stages.     

The endogenous development of two new species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Thai geckoes

Two new species of Isospora are described from Thai geckoes. I. platyurusi n. sp. in Cosymbotus platyurus from Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen and I. uptoni n. sp. in Hemidactylus frenatus from Chiang Mai. Oöcysts of I. platyurusi are spherical to subspherical, 19–22.5 × 16.5–21.5 μm and have two ovoid sporocysts of 11.5–14 × 7.5–9 μm. Oöcysts of I. uptoni are spherical to subspherical, 24–31.5 × 20–27.5 μm and have two ovoid sporocysts of 12.5–15 × 9–11.5 μm. Both species have sporocysts with Stieda bodies and undergo endogenous development in the nucleus of the host gut epithelial cells. On the completion of merogony and gamogony, the host nucleus is reduced to a thin envelope.     

A new species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the dusky rice rat Melanomys caliginosus (Tomes) (Mammalia: Rodentia) in Costa Rica

We collected faecal samples from 24 dusky rice rats, Melanomys caliginosus (Tomes) (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae), in a Biological Reserve in Costa Rica, and found three (12.5%) to be infected with a species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875, which we describe here as new. Sporulated oöcysts of Eimeria caliginosa n. sp. are almost spheroidal and measure 16–21 × 17–20 (mean 19.6 × 18.2) μm; micropyle, oöcyst residuum and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 9–13 × 6–8 (mean 11.2 × 6.7) μm, with small Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies present, but a para-Stieda body is absent; the sporocyst residuum is a compact mass of c.11–15 granules, c.5 μm wide. Sporozoites are crescent-shaped, 5–8 × 2–3 (mean 6.8 × 2.4) μm. This is the third species of Eimeria described from the genus Melanomys Thomas.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Isospora riyadhensis</Emphasis> n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the worm lizard <Emphasis Type="Italic">Diplometopon zarudnyi</Emphasis> Nikolskii (Amphisbaenia: Trogonophidae) in Saudi Arabia

Isospora riyadhensis n. sp. is described from the intestine of the worm lizard Diplometopon zarudnyi Nikolskii in Saudi Arabia, where its prevalence was 26.6%. Its oöcysts are spherical to subspherical and measure 23 × 20 μm. The sporocysts, which are tetrazoic and ovoid, measure 13 × 8 μm, whereas their sporozoites are banana-shaped, have anterior and posterior refractile bodies and measure 12 × 3 μm. Oöcysts are passed unsporulated, and the majority become fully sporulated within 3 days at 25°C. All endogenous stages develop in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells in the posterior region of the small intestine, from where meronts, microgamonts and macrogamonts are described.