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.     

Isospora araponga sp. n. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), a new species of Isospora Schneider from a bare-throated bellbird, Procnias nudicollis (Vieillot, 1817) (Passeriformes: Cotingidae) from Brazil

Faecal samples from a couple of bare-throated bellbirds Procnias nudicollis imported from Brazil to Barcelona Zoo contained oocysts of Isospora araponga n. sp. Sporulated oocysts were subspherical to broadly ellipsoidal, 19.5 (17-22) x 15.5 (14-16.5) microm, shape index (length:width ratio) 1.26 (1.13-1.38) with smooth and colourless bilayered wall, about 1 microm thick, and with varying number (1-3) of polar granule, but without a micropyle or residuum. The sporocysts were ellipsoidal, slightly asymmetric, 12.5 (12-13) x 8.5 (7.5-9) microm with barely visible Stieda body and indistinguishable substieda body. Sporozoites were elongated, possessing smooth surface and two distinct refractile bodies.     

Eimeria pavoaegyptica sp. nov. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in faeces of Indian peacocks, Pavo cristatus Linnaeus, 1758 (Galliformes: Phasianidae) from Egypt

Coprological examination of 15 Indian peacocks, Pavo cristatus, revealed the presence of a coccidium species of the genus Eimeria, which apparently represents a previously undescribed species. Sporulation is exogenous and fully developed oocysts of Eimeria pavoaegyptica sp. nov. are ellipsoidal, with a dimension of 15 (13-16) × 12 (10-12.9) microm and with a shape index of 1.25 (1-1.3). The sporulated oocysts have no micropyle but enclose one large rectangular-shaped polar granule and an oocyst residuum. The oocysts have a distinct two-layered wall, which is ~approximately1.7 microm thick. The outer layer has a smooth texture; it fills ~? of the total thickness and appears bicolored. The sporocysts are boat-shaped, of about 10 (9-11) × 4 (4-4.7) microm; their average shape-index is 2.5 microm with a small pointed Stieda body and a smooth, thin single-layered wall. No substieda body is detected. The sporocysts contain numerous, nearly uniform granular residua. The sporozoites are banana-shaped, 6 × 3 microm and each has two different-sized refractile bodies.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Eimeria curvata n. sp.(Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in Columbina talpacoti and Scardafella squammata (Aves: Columbidae) from Brazil

Eimeria curvata is a new coccidian described in the doves Columbina talpacoti and Scardafella squammata from western of the State of S?o Paulo, Brazil. The oocysts are ovoid to ellipsoid, 18.3 (17-19) microm x 15.5 (15-17) microm, with a shape index of 1.2 (1.1-1.3). The wall is colorless, smooth and double-layered. A polar granule is present, but there is no micropyle or oocyst residuum. The sporocysts are elongate, 12.3 (11.5-13) microm x 5.8 (5.5-6) microm with a curved anterior portion and a smooth, thin, single-layered wall. The Stieda body is protuberant and nipple-like; there is no substieda body. The sporozoites lie head-to-tail in the sporocyst and contain a large refractile body at the extremities. The sporocyst residuum contains small granules uniformly distributed in the middle of the sporocyst. The prevalence of E. curvata n. sp. was 17.4% and 12.8% in C. talpacoti and S. squammata, respectively.     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from insectivores. II. Six new species from Japanese shrew moles (Talpidae)

Thirty-eight of 51 (74.5%) shrew moles collected in Japan were infected with from one to four species of Eimeria and/or Isospora including six of six Dymecodon pilirostris and 32 of 45 (71.1%) Urotrichus talpoides. Four eimerians and two isosporans were identified and all are described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria amorphospora n. sp. were subspheroid/ellipsoid, 21.1 x 17.9 (18-25 x 16-21) micrometers. Sporocysts were amorphous, gelatinoid envelopes greater than or equal to 20.3 x 7.5 (17-24 x 7-9) micrometers. Sporozoites were enclosed together within a membrane in each sporocyst. This species was found in 9 of 45 (20%) U. talpoides. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria gonocilia n. sp. were subspheroid/ellipsoid, 28.8 x 24.4 (25-30 x 21-28) micrometers; a highly ornate outer oocyst wall gave the appearance of a ciliated ball. Sporocysts ovoid, pointed at both ends, were 17.0 x 9.9 (15-19 x 7-11) micrometers; this species was found in 4 of 45 (8.9%) U. talpoides. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria talpoidei n. sp. were asymmetrical ovoid, 20.6 x 13.3 (18-23 x 12-15) micrometers, with sporocysts lacrimiform, 12.0 x 5.8 (10-14 x 5-7) micrometers. This species was found in 7 of 45 (15.6%) U. talpoides. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria honshuensis n. sp. were ellipsoid, 15.5 x 11.4 (13-18 x 10-13) micrometers, with sporocysts ovoid, 9.1 x 5.2 (8-10 x 4-6) micrometers. This species was found in 10 of 45 (22.2%) U. talpoides and in 5 of 6 (83.3%) D. pilirostris. sporulated oocysts of Isospora dymecodi n. sp. were subspheroid/ellipsoid, 15.8 x 12.6 (13-17 x 11-13) micrometers, with sporocysts ovoid, 9.1 x 5.2 (8-10 x 4-6) micrometers. This species was found in 10 of 45 (22.2%) U. talpoides and in 5 of 6 (83.3%) D. pilirostris. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora dymecodi n. sp. were subspheroid/ellipsoid, 15.8 x 12.6 (13-17 x 11-13) micrometers, with sporocysts ellipsoid, 10.9 x 6.9 (10-13 x 6-8). This species was found in six of six D. pilirostris. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora urotrichi n. sp. were spheroid/subspheroid, 13.4 x 12.4 (11-16 x 9-14) micrometers, with sporocysts ovoid, 9.2 x 6.3 (8-11 x 5-7) micrometers. This species was found in 27 of 45 (60%) U. Talpoides. Only 14 of 38 (36.8%) infected hosts (one D. pilirostris, 13 U. talpoides) were seen to be naturally infected with only one coccidian species when sampled.     

Description of Pythonella scleruri n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from a brazilian bird rufous-breasted-leaftosser Sclerurus scansor, 1835 (Passeriformes: Furnariidae)

Coccidian oocysts containing 16 sporocysts with 4 sporozoites in each were observed in a faecal sample from Sclerurus scansor collected in the Itatiaia National Park, southeastern region of Brazil. The oocysts are characterized by ellipsoidal shape measuring 42.5 x 32.8 mm, with smooth, thick double-layered wall of a greenish-orange colour. An oocyst residuum of numerous scattered granules among the sporocysts in sporulated ones; 16 round sporocysts, averaging 10.5 x 10 mm each containing four elongated sporozoites; presence of residuum; absence of Stieda body. The presently described coccidian, recorded for the first time in birds, is a new species named P. scleruri.     

Coccidia (Eimeria tachyglossi n. sp., E. echidnae n. sp., and Octosporella hystrix n. sp.) in the Echidna, Tachyglossus aculeatus (Monotremata: Tachyglossidae)

Oocysts of Octosporella hystrix n. sp., Eimeria tachyglossi n. sp., and E. echidnae n. sp. are described from the feces of the echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus (Monotremata: Tachyglossidae) from Australia. Eimeria tachyglossi has subspherical oocysts, 26.4 × 23.7 μm in size, with a single oocyst wall; no micropyle; four ellipsoidal sporocysts 13.2 × 9.7, slightly pointed at one end, each containing two sporozoites. Eimeria echidnae has subspherical oocysts, 19.4 × 17.8 in size, with a single oocyst wall; no micropyle; four ellipsoidal sporocysts 9.8 × 7.8, blunt at both ends, each containing two sporozoites. Octosporella hystrix has ovoid or subspherical oocysts 32.9 × 29.7 in size with a thick outer and thin inner oocyst wall; no micropyle; eight sporocysts spherical or slightly subspherical 11.3 × 11.2 each containing two sporozoites lying in embrace, with an extensive granular sporocyst residuum about the equator of the sporocyst. Endogenous stages considered to be of E. tachyglossi at least, were recognized in the lamina propria and epithelium on villi in the small intestine of three echidnas.     

Ultrastructural aspects of hepatic coccidiosis caused by Goussia lusca n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Coccidia) infecting Trisopterus luscus (Gadidae) from the NE Atlantic Ocean

Goussia lusca n. sp. is described from the liver of pouting Trisopterus luscus from the NE Atlantic Ocean in Ibero-Atlantic Portuguese and Spanish waters. Mature oocysts were 31.7 (28.8 to 35.4) microm in diameter. Each oocyst contained 4 ellipsoidal sporocysts arranged in an aleatory position, and measuring approximately 13.7 x 9.2 microm. Each sporocyst contained 2 sporozoites. Ultrastructurally, the sporocyst wall consisted of a dense inner layer 115 nm thick, transversely striated, regularly intercalated by thin grooves with electron-lucent spaces, and separated from the outer layer by a thin, light (electron-lucent) space. The outer layer was multilamellated and consisted of parallel dense bands alternating with light spaces. These lamellae formed filamentous extensions of the wall. The dehiscence suture, a characteristic feature of the genus, was present in the sporocysts. No external clinical signs were observed in the host fish. Parasites observed in the liver tissue were often enveloped in a yellowish-brown matrix, generally known as 'yellow bodies'. Sometimes sporocysts were observed in direct contact with the liver cells. Parasites in degeneration and aggregations of amylopectin granules were frequently observed surrounded by host inflammatory cells. In severe infections, we observed large agglomerations of oocysts encapsulated by layers of concentrically arranged connective tissue forming large granulomas, which caused significant replacement of the host liver parenchyma by the parasite.     

Hammondia heydorni from the Arabian mountain gazelle and red fox in Saudi Arabia

Unsporulated oocysts were detected in the feces of an Arabian red fox (Vulpes vulpes arabica) between 6 and 8 days after it had been fed meat from Arabian mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella) known to contain sarcocysts. No oocysts were discovered in the feces of other experimental cubs, although sporocysts of Sarcocystis spp. were passed subsequently by all cubs that were fed gazelle meat, including those fed with reem (G. subgutturosa marica). The oocysts sporulated in 3 days at room temperature (25 +/- 2 C); they were 10.9 +/- 1.4 x 10.1 +/- 1.3 microm, with 2 sporocysts measuring 6.0 +/- 0.6 x 4.7 +/- 0.8 microm, each with 4 sporozoites. Sporulated oocysts were identified as those of Hammondia heydorni using molecular and standard morphometric techniques. Sequence differences between 2 fox and 3 dog isolates of H. heydorni were detected and allowed differentiation between the 2 populations of the organism. The involvement of Neospora caninum was excluded using molecular methods. The Arabian red fox and the Arabian mountain gazelle in Saudi Arabia are new, definitive and intermediate hosts for H. heydorni.     

The life cycle of Gregarina ronderosi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Gregarinidae) in the Argentine grasshopper Dichroplus elongatus (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

Gregarina ronderosi n. sp. is described based on life cycle observations conducted on nymphs and adults of its natural host, the grasshopper Dichroplus elongatus. Following ingestion of oocysts by the host, parasite development occurs between the epithelium and the food mass in the midgut and gastric caeca. Gametocysts are liberated in the faeces. Natural prevalence in the type locality, Girondo, northwestern Buenos Aires Province, was 39.7% (n=131). The earliest trophozoites seen were small (< or = 10 microm), somewhat ovoid, unsegmented bodies. Fully developed trophozoites (the body is divided into epimerite, protomerite, and deutomerite) were slender, with conical or globular epimerites in attached or unattached forms, respectively. Trophozoites varied greatly in size [total length: 10.4-275.1 microm; mean (+/-S.E.): 126.3+/-78.9]. Gamonts, which were the most common stages observed and filled the midgut and gastric caeca in grasshoppers kept in rearing rooms, had a stocky appearance and also varied greatly in size (total length: 80-348 microm; 205+/-13). Association of gamonts was precocious, biassociative, and caudofrontal. Gametocysts were spherical and highly variable in size (96-376 microm in diameter; 202.8+/-52.5), and normally have 14 sporoduct basal discs. Everted sporoducts were up to 60 microm long. Oocysts were uniformly doliform in shape, measured (5+/-0.08 by 3.2+/-0.06 microm) and contained eight sporozoites. Wall reinforcements (carinae) were present. No infection resulted in experimentally inoculated Locusta migratoria, which is a host of Gregarina acridiorum. G. ronderosi is strikingly similar to G. acridiorum, but has larger oocysts.     

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 saudiensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) in Saudi Arabia

Oocysts of Eimeria saudiensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) are described from the feces of the Arabian oryx, Oryx leucoryx, from the Riyadh Zoo, Saudi Arabia. The oocysts were ellipsoidal or slightly ovoid, 31.2 x 24.5 (24.3-36.5 x 20.0-27.6) micron with a bilayered wall about 1.7 micron thick. The micropyle was covered by a dome-shaped cap. The oocyst residuum was absent, but tiny polar granules were present. The sporocysts were elongate ovoid, 14.3 x 7.2 (11.5-18.5 x 6.0-9.0) micron, had a Stieda body, but lacked a substiedal body. The sporocyst residuum was present, composed of numerous small granules. The sporozoites were elongate club-shaped, and contained two prominent refractile bodies.     

Two new species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Asian geoemydid turtles Kachuga tentoria and Melanochelys trijuga (Testudines: Geoemydidae)

Coprological examination of ten Pink-ringed tent turtles Kachuga tentoria circumdata, recently imported from India, and three Burmese black turtles Melanochelys trijuga edeniana, imported from Myanmar, revealed the presence of two new species of Eimeria. Oocysts of Eimeria kachua n. sp. from K. t. circumdata are broadly oval to subspherical, 15.3 (13-18) x 13.9 (12-16) microm, with polar granule and subspherical oocyst residuum. Sporocyst elongatelly oval to spindle-shaped, 8.7 (7.5-10) x 4.9 (4-6) microm, with a knoblike Stieda body, covered with fine membranous cupola-like structures. Thin walled oocysts of Eimeria patta n. sp. from M. t. edeniana, have an irregular shape, influenced by the position of sporocysts, frequently with lobular irregularities, 12.6 (11-16) x 9.1 (7.5-12) microm. Sporocysts are oval to ellipsoidal, 5.8 (5-7) x 4.2 (3.5-5) microm.     

Isospora daphnensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the medium ground finch (Geospiza fortis) from the Galapagos Islands

In March and April 1987 fecal samples from 237 nestling birds, including 199 from 85 nest sites of Geospiza fortis, 23 from 12 nest sites of Geospiza scandens, 6 from 2 nest sites of Geospiza magnirostris, and 9 from 2 nest sites of hybrids involving Geospiza fuliginosa and G. fortis, were collected from Daphne Major in the Galapagos archipelago and examined for coccidia. Only 3 of 4 nestlings from 1 nest site of G. fortis (1.5%) had oocysts in their feces. Two of the 3 infected nestlings had concurrent infections of Isospora temeraria, and all 3 nestlings were infected with a new species. Isospora daphnensis n. sp. Sporulated oocysts of I. daphnensis n. sp. are ellipsoidal, 27.3 x 23.6 (22-30 x 20-27) microns; a polar body is present, but no oocyst residuum or micropyle occurs. The oocyst wall, approximately 1.5 microns thick, is composed of a mammillated outer layer and thinner inner layer. Sporocysts are ovoid, 15.2 x 10.2 (15-16 x 9-11) microns and have a nipplelike Stieda body and a small substieda body. The sporocysts contain an irregularly shaped, smoothly contoured residuum with uniform granules and 4 sporozoites with a large refractile body at one end and lying randomly in the sporocysts.     

Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the subterranean rodent Ctenomys opimus Wagner (Ctenomyidae) from Bolivia, South America

Of 35 tuco-tucos (Ctenomys opimus) collected in Bolivia, South America, 31 (88%) had eimerian oocysts in their feces at the time they were examined. Eighteen (58%) of the 31 infected animals were concurrently infected with 2 or 3 eimerian species. Four species of Eimeria were recovered and are described as new species based on the characteristics of sporulated oocysts. Oocysts of Eimeria granifera n. sp. were ellipsoidal, 21.1 x 17.2 (15-26 x 11-20) micron with sporocysts ovoidal, 11.3 x 7.1 (8-14 x 5-9) micron. Oocysts of Eimeria montuosi n. sp. were spheroidal, 24.2 x 22.0 (21-28 x 18-25) micron with sporocysts ovoidal, 10.5 x 7.3 (8-14 x 6-9) micron. Oocysts of Eimeria opimi n. sp. were spheroidal to subspheroidal, 24.3 x 21.8 (18-29 x 15-26) micron with sporocysts ovoidal, 11.6 x 7.6 (10-13 x 6-9) micron. Oocysts of Eimeria oruroensis n. sp. were spheroidal to subspheroidal, 27.3 x 23.6 (23-32 x 20-28) micron with sporocysts ovoidal, 13.2 x 8.6 (10-16 x 8-11) micron.     

Cryptosporidium fayeri n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) from the Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus)

The morphology and infectivity of the oocysts of a new species of Cryptosporidium from the faeces of the red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) are described. Oocysts are structurally indistinguishable from those of Cryptosporidium parvum. Oocysts of the new species are passed fully sporulated, lack sporocysts, and measure 4.5-5.1 microm (mean=4.9) x 3.8-5.0 microm (mean=4.3 microm) with a length to width ratio 1.02:1.18 (mean 1.14) (n=50). Oocysts were not infectious for neonate ARC Swiss mice. Multi-locus analysis of numerous unlinked loci demonstrated this species to be distinct (90.64%-97.88% similarity) from C. parvum. Based on biological and molecular data, this Cryptosporidium infecting marsupials is proposed to be a new species Cryptosporidium fayeri n. sp.