Isospora thibetana N. Sp. (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae), a Parasite of the Tibetan Siskin (Serinus thibetanus=Carduelis thibetanus) (Passeriformes, Fringillidae)

Tibetan siskins are birds native to the Himalayan region often imported into Italy for commercial purposes. Fecal examination of 45 imported subjects with clinical signs of diarrhoea revealed the presence of a large number of coccidian oocysls. After sporulation, accomplished by mixing feces with 2.5 % (w/v) acqueous K₂Cr₂O₇ at room temperature (22° C ± 1° C), exogenous stages of an Isospora species were revealed. The oocysts of this Isospora are spherical, have a bilayered colorless wall, and average 23.24 μm × 23.05 μm; oocyst residuum and micropyle are absent, while an oval polar granule is rarely present. The elliptical sporocysts average 18.44 μm × 10.97 μm and the Stieda body protrudes slightly from the end of the sporocyst. A spherical sporocyst residuum is present though it sometimes consists of scattered granules. The spindle-shaped sporozoites average 11.53 μm × 2.86 μm, and have two refractile bodies. The taxonomic position of the tibetan siskin is controversial. Some authors include this species in the genus Serinus , while others include it in the genus Carduelis. The coccidian species isolated from these tibetan siskins was, for this reason. compared with the Isospora species previously described both in the genus Carduelis and in the genus Serinus. As a result of this comparison a new species. Isospora thibetana , was named. In the intestine of dead subjects, oocysts were found only in the ileum where the mucosa was greatly thickened and presented a heavy leucocytic infiltration consisting mainly of lympho-monocytic cells. A similar infiltration was observed in liver and lungs as well.     

Isospora viridanae N. Sp., an Intranuclear Coccidian Parasite from the Canarian Skink, Chalcides viridanus (Lacertilia: Scincidae)

A caryotropic species of coccidium, Isospora viridanae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). has been found as a parasite in the Canarian skink, Chalcides viridanus Gravenhorst, 1851, from Tenerife, Spain, and is described here as a new species. Fully sporulaled oocysts of Isospora viridanae are spherical and measure 21.6 (1 7.6–23.4) nm in diameter. Mtcropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granule are ali absent. Oocysts of this coccidian, with a smooth bilayered wall, contain 2 ovoid sporocysts 13.2 (11.7–14.0) by 9.5 8.2–10 5) μm. A sporocyst residuum is present as well as a Stieda body and a substieda body. Most oocysts are found to be at the beginning of sporulanon when excreted and show 2 spherical sporoblasts. Sporulation is completed within 24 to 48 h at 23 × 2°C Sporozoites are 13–14 μm long and are about 2.5–3 μ m wide. Endogenous stages of schizogony and gamogony develop in the nuclei of epithelial cells from the small intestine of the skink. Comparisons with other species of the genus found in lacertilian hosts indicate that it is a new species.     

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

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

Two New Species of Isospora from the Desert Skink (Chalchides ocellatus) from the Egyptian Desert

Isospora chalchidis n. sp. and Isospora eimanae n. sp. were isolated from the desert skink, Chalchides ocellatus , order Squamata, from Egypt. Sporulated oocysts of I. chalchidis n. sp. were spheroidal 19 × 19 (18–20.5 × 18–20.5) μm with a 2–layered walled. Oocysts lacked a micropyle and residuum and few polar granules were present. Sporocysts were lemon-shaped 12.2 × 6.5 (9.5–13 × 5–8) μm with a Stieda body and sporocyst residuum but without a substiedal body. Isospora eimanae n. sp. were spheroidal 18.5 × 18.5 (17–19.5 × 17–19.5) μm with a 2–layered wall. There were oocysts without residuum or polar granule, but with small micropyle at 1 end. Sporocysts were ovoid 12 × 8.5(11–13 × 7.5–9) μm with a small Stieda body and sporocyst residuum but without a substiedal body.     

Isospora petrochelidon sp. n. (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) from the Cliff Swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

SYNOPSIS. Isospora petrochelidon sp. n. (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) is described from the cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota , from Douglas County, Colorado. Oocysts were passed primarily between 4 and 9 p.m. Sporogony was completed by 24 hr in 3% aqueous potassium dichromate at 21–28 C. The ellipsoid to ovoid oocysts averaged 25.2 × 22.2 μm. The oocyst wall was smooth, colorless, and single-layered. The 2 polar granules were disc-shaped, each adjoining a sporocyst. The lemon-shaped sporocysts averaged 18.4 × 10.8 μm. There was no membrane enclosing the sporocyst residuum and sporozoites. Two fledgling Isospora -free swallows fed sporulated oocysts began passing them on day 4 and died with massive infections on day 5. Data from these birds indicate that schizogony occurred during nighttime hours, gametogony during the day. Endogeny was found throughout the intestine distal to the gizzard, with schizogony confined to the convoluted glands of the subvillar mucosa and gametogony to the villar epithelium. Sporocysts released from mechanically ruptured oocysts excysted in 2% pancreatin within 5 min. Sporulated oocysts fed to a pigeon squab, duckling and cockerel produced no infections.     

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

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

Isospora elmahalensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae), a Parasite of the White-Cheeked Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys) in Saudi Arabia

Isospora elmahalensis n. sp. is described from the Saudi Arabian bird, Pycnonotus leucogenys , from the Elmahala valley. Sporulated oocysts of I. elmahalensis were spherical or nearly subspherical, 19.5–22.5 × 18.5–20 (21.34 ± 0.4 × 19.06 ± 0.5) μm. Oocysts lacked a micropyle, residuum, and polar granule. Sporocysts were ovoid, 14–17.5 × 7–12 (16.08 ± 1.05 × 9.9 ± 1.55) μm, and had a Stieda body and sporocyst residuum, but lacked a substiedal body. Sporozoites were elongated with a clear globule at one end. The host bird belongs to the order Passeriformes.     

The Structure of the Oocyst and the Excystation Process of Isospora marquardti sp. n. from the Colorado pika, Ochotona princeps

SYNOPSIS. Oocysts of Isospora marquardti sp. n. from the Colorado pika, Ochotona princeps , have spheroid oocysts, 30.5 (23–36) μm in diameter, and ovoid sporocysts, measuring 19.3 × 12.0 (17–22 × 10–14) μm. A polar body, 2 × 4 μm, a spheroid sporocyst residuum (8.3 μm in diameter), a Stieda body, and a distinct substiedal body (3 × 3 μm) are present. A micropyle and an oocyst residuum are absent. Excysted sporozoites, averaging 3.0 × 18.5 (2–4 × 15–20) μm, contain 2 refractile globules, 1 on each side of the nucleus with a prominent nucleolus.
The sporozoite excystation process using a trypsin-sodium taurocholate fluid is described.     

Coccidia from the Tiger Salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum, in Northeastern Colorado and in Northern New Mexico

SYNOPSIS. Oocysts of Eimeria ambystomae Saxe, 1955, Eimeria microcapi sp. n., and Eimeria urodela sp. n. are described from the tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum , collected in Colorado and New Mexico. The oocysts of E. ambystomae are ellipsoid, 29.8 × 17.3 (24–38 × 15–25) μm, and the sporocysts lanceolate, 22.6 × 5.4 (16–27 × 5–7) μm. Oocyst and sporocyst residua are present, but not a polar granule and a micropyle. The oocysts and sporocysts of E. microcapi are ellipsoid, measuring respectively 38.1 × 25.3 (35-41 × 23-26) μm and 18.1 × 7.4 (16-19 × 6–8) μm. Oocyst and sporocyst residua, a micropyle (mean 3 μm), and a distinct micropyle cap (2 μm high) are present, but not a polar granule. The oocysts of E. urodela are spheroid, 22.2 (14-26) μm, and the sporocysts lanceolate, 16.3 × 5.8 (12-19 × 4-7) μm. Oocyst and sporocyst residua are present, but a polar granule and a micropyle are absent.     

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

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

Isospora Normanlevinei N. Sp. and Isospora Coluzzii N. Sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) In Emberiza Cirlus (Cirl Bunting) (Passeriformes-Emberizidae)

ABSTRACT. The morphological characteristics of two new species of Isospora observed in Emberiza cirlus (Cirl Bunting) from Italy are reported. the oocysts of Isospora normanlevinei n. sp. are spherical or sub-spherical, with a smooth double-layered wall, and measure 24.2 times 23.7 (21.0-26.5 times 21.5-25.5) μm; each oocyst contains 2 to 10 polar granules. No micropyle or residuum was observed. the piriform sporocysts measure 19.4 times 11.2 (17.0-21.0 times 10.0-12.5) μm and contain a dispersed residuum. the Stieda body is flat; the substiedal body, with scattered clear and dark granules, may be either symmetrical or asymmetrical. the oocysts of I. coluzzii n. sp. are asymmetrical and rounded shape and measure 28.6 times 24.2 (25.0-31.5 times 21.5-26.0) μm. the oocyst has a double-layered wall and 2 to 3 polar granules. Neither micropyle nor residuum is present. the sub-ellipsoidal sporocyst, measuring 18.2 times 10.0(16.5-20.0 times 9.0-11.0) μm, has a dispersed sporocyst residuum. the Stieda complex is symmetrical.     

Wenyonella baghdadensis sp. n. from the Bandicoot Rat Nesokia indica in the Baghdad Area

SYNOPSIS. Oocysts of Wenyonella baghdadensis sp. n. were found in the feces of 2 of 12 bandicoot rats Nesokia indica Gray & Hardwicke from the Baghdad area. Sporulated oocysts were subspherical to broadly ellipsoidal, 25.4 (18–22) × 20.8 (15–28) μm, with a 2-layered wall, the outer wall being mammillated, without micropyle, micropylar cap, residuum, or polar granule. Sporozoites were ovoid, 11.8 (9–15) × 8.4 (6–10) μm, with Stieda body and residuum. Two sporozoites in each sporocyst were elongate, with granular cytoplasm and a refractile globule, the other 2 were bean-shaped, without granules or refractile globule. Sporulation time equalled 3 days at 22–24 C. Entamoeba coli and Giardia sp. cysts were also found in 3 rats each.     

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.     

New Eimeriid Coccidia from the Canarian Lizard, Gallotia galloti Oudart, 1839

One species of Eimeria and one species of Isospora have been discovered in several specimens of the Canarian lizard, Gallotia galloti , collected on Tenerife, Canary Islands, and are described herein as new. The oocysts of Eimeria gallotiae n. sp. are elongate-ellipsoidal and measure 30.6 (29.1–32.6) by 16.0 (14.0–17.9) μm. Micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granule are absent. Oocysts each contain four ellipsoidal sporocysts measuring 14.6 (12.2–17.3) by 9.2 (8.2–11.2) μm. Sporocysts have sporocyst residuum but not a Stieda body. The majority of oocysts are fully sporulated when shed. Few oocysts are excreted unsporulated or in the beginning phase of sporulation. The oocysts of Isopora gallotiae n. sp. are spherical and 16.5 (15.3–17.6) μm in diameter. Micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granule are absent. Each oocyst has two lemon-shaped sporocysts, 11.5 (10.2–12.2) by 7.3 (6.6–8.2) μm, which take up almost the entire space of the oocyst. A sporocyst residuum is present as well as a knob-like Stieda body and a substieda body. Most oocysts are in the beginning phase of sporulation when excreted and have two spherical sporoblasts. Sporulation is completed within 24 to 28 h at 21 ± 2°C.     

Isospora spilogales n. sp. and I. sengeri n. sp. (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) from the Spotted Skunk, Spilogale putorius ambarvalis

SYNOPSIS. Two new species of Isospora are described from the feces of an eastern spotted skunk Spilogale putorius ambarvalis imported into Montana from Florida. The oocysts of I. spilogales n. sp. are 29 to 38 by 22 to 28 μ and contain 2 sporocysts measuring 17 to 22 by 13 to 16 μ; a few Caryospora -like oocysts containing a single sporocyst were considered abnormal I. spilogales oocysts. The oocysts of I. sengeri n. sp. are 16 to 23 by 12 to 18 μ and contain 2 sporocysts measuring 10 to 14 by 8 to 12 μ.     

Eimeria turcicus N. Sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Mediterranean Gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus (Sauria: Gekkonidae)

ABSTRACT. Eimeria turcicus n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is reported from the gall bladder of the Mediterranean gecko, Hemidactylus t. turcicus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Houston Zoo, Texas, USA. Oocysts of this coccidian are elongate and cylindrical, 38.2 × 17.9 (35.2-40.8 × 16.8-20.0)μm, with a smooth, bilayered wall ∼ 1.6 μm thick; shape index 2.1 (1.9-2.3). A polar granule is present, but a micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. Sporocysts are ovoid, 11.0 × 8.8 (10.0-12.0 × 8.0-9.4) μm, with a smooth, thin wall and suture; shape index 1.3 (1.1-1.4). Each sporocyst contains a residuum measuring 6.0 × 5.1 (4.8-8.0 × 4.8-6.4) μm, additional residual granules scattered among the sporozoites, and two sporozoites that are normally arranged head-to-tail within the sporocyst. Each sporozoite contains a single, ovoid, posterior refractile body and a central nucleus.     

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

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

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

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

Isospora gallicolumbae sp. n. from Beccari's Ground Dove (Gallicolumba beccarii Salvadori) in Papua New Guinea

SYNOPSIS. Isopora gallicolumbae sp. n. is described from Beccari's ground dove, Gallicolumba beccarii Salvadori, in Papua New Guinea. The ellipsoidal oocysts average 16.0 × 20.0 μm. The oocyst wall is light green, single-layered (∼ 0.8 μm), and becomes distorted within 10 min in sugar solution. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent; one polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ovoid, 8.0 × 12.0 μm. with prominent conical Stieda body. Sporocyst residuum is a spherical mass (∼ 5.0 μm) of lighter and darker granules. This is the first species of Isospora reported from a host in the avian order Columbiformes.     

高原姬鼠一新艾美球虫记述(顶复合门,艾美球虫科)

粪检云南省昆明市太平镇捕获的31只高原姬鼠Apodemus chevrieri,在9只高原姬鼠中共发现了2种艾美球虫,自然感染率为29%,其中1种被命名为新种:齐氏艾美球虫Eimeria chevrieri sp.nov.。齐氏艾美球虫孢子化的卵囊椭圆形,大小为21·2μm×16·3μm(22·2~19·7μm×17·3~15·6μm)。卵囊壁光滑,单层,厚约1·0μm;无胚孔和卵囊余体。有1~2个极体,极体形状不规则,直径1·0~2·0μm。卵圆形的孢子囊大小为11·2μm×7·5μm(12·3~10·3μm×8·3~6·8μm),有孢子囊余体,且主要分布在2个子孢子的中间,斯氏体扁豆形,大小为1·0μm×0·3μm,亚斯氏体亚球形,大小为2·5μm×1·5μm。子孢子在孢子囊里面头尾相接,在其宽端有1个明显的反光体,直径约3μm。模式标本保存在云南大学标本馆。齐氏艾美球虫,新种Eimeria chevrieri sp·nov.(图1~2,4)寄生于姬鼠属,具有椭圆形的卵囊,卵囊壁具有光滑、无色、单层特点的艾美球虫有3种:E.gomurica Musaev and Veisov,1963,E.kaunensis Arnastauskiene et al.,1978和E.gandobica Musaev and Veisov,1965。E.gomurica、E.kaunensis与本种的主要区别是卵囊较小且有卵囊余体;E.gandobica与本种的主要区别是卵囊呈宽椭圆形,卵囊和孢子囊较小(19·0μm×16·8μmvs·21·2μm×16·3μm;8·0μm×5·0μmvs·11·2μm×7·5μm),孢子囊余体少,无反光体和亚斯氏体。寄生于姬鼠属,具有椭圆形的卵囊,卵囊壁具有光滑、2层特点的艾美球虫有3种:E.alorani Hurková et al.,2005、E.apodemi Pell啨rdy1974和E.zaurica Musaev and Veisov,1965。E.zaurica与本种的主要区别是具有卵囊余体;E.alorani的卵囊和孢子囊比本种大的多(26·9μm×19·3μmvs.21·2μm×16·3μm),且其孢子囊余体形成一个直径约4~5μm的球状结构;E.apodemi的孢子化卵囊呈宽椭圆形,经常不对称,无极体和斯氏体。该种区别其它种的关键特征是:1)孢子化卵囊椭圆形,卵囊壁光滑、单层、无色;2)有极体;3)孢子囊有亚斯氏体。模式标本,含孢子化卵囊的齐氏姬鼠粪便保存在云南大学生物系,标本编号:2006047;齐氏姬鼠标本保存于云南大学标本馆,标本编号20060081。词源:种名源自宿主种名。