Coccidia of Brazilian Mammals: Eimeria Marajoensis N. Sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) From the Anteater, Tamandua Tetradactyla (Xenarthra: Myrmecophagidae)

ABSTRACT Feces from a juvenile specimen of the anteater Tamandua tetradactyla from Ponta de Pedras, Marajó, Pará, northern Brazil, contained three different coccidial oocysts: Eimeria tamanduae Lainson, 1968; E. corticulata Lainson & Shaw, 1990; and a third species previously unrecorded and described here as Eimeria marajoensis n. sp. Oocysts of the latter parasite are spherical to subspherical, 13.9 ± 1.5 times 13.4 ± 1.4 (11.1-16.5 times 11.1-16.5) μm, shape index (length/width) 1.0 (1.0-1.2). the oocyst wall is a single, Colorless layer about 0.6-1.0 μm thick with no striations or micropyle. There is no oocyst residuum, but a single, round, oval or irregularly shaped polar granule of about 0.75-2.5 μm is consistently present. the sporocysts are broadly ellipsoidal, 7.1 ± 0.7 ± 5.3 ± 0.6 (6.0-8.8 times 4.0-5.7) μm, shape index 1.3 (1.2-1.5), with a delicate wall bearing a minute stieda body. No sub-stieda body was visible. the sporocyst residuum consists of some 10-20 rounded granules, lying between the two slightly curved sporozoites which measure approximately 6.5 times 2.0 μm. Sporocyst refractile bodies were not discernablc.     

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, Para 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 × 30.4 (31.2–43.7 × 23.7–35.0) μm, shape index (length/width) 1.2 (1.0–1.5). Oocyst wall 2.5–3.7 μm 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 × 10.3 μm, usually accompanied by a number of smaller attached globules. Sporocysts ellipsoidal, 21.0 × 11.0 (20.0–22.5 × 10.0–12.5) μm, with a conspicuous Stieda body: shape index 1.9 (1.6–2.2). Sporocyst residuum a small number of scattered granules: sporozoites 18.7 × 5.0 μm, with a large posterior refractile body. Eimeria zygodontomyis n. sp. is described in feces from Zygodontomys lasiurus (Lund) from the Serra dos Carajas, Para. Oocysts ellipsoidal to cylindrical, 16.5 × 12.0 (13.7–18.7 × 11.2–12.3) μm, shape index 1.4 (1.2–1.5). Wall colorless, smooth, single-layered and about 0.6 μm thick: no micropyle. No oocyst residuum, but a polar granule of about 1.8 × 1.0 μm is sometimes present. Sporocysts ellipsoidal, 8.4 × 5.5(7.5–8.7 × 5.0–6.2) μm, 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 × 3.7 μm.     

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 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 tahamensis N. Sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Arabian Quail (Coturnix delegorguei arabica)1

Eimeria tahamensis n. sp. is described from the harlequin quail (Coturnix delegorguei arabica) from Tahama, Saudi Arabia. The sporulated oocysts of E. tahamensis n. sp. are ellipsoid, 36.5–42 × 25.5–29 (41.2 ± 1.34 × 28.4 ± 0.81) μm, with a thick two-layered wall and one polar granule but without a micropyle or an oocyst residuum. The sporocysts are ovoid, 14–16 × 9–11.5 (15.3 ± 0.7 × 10.8 ± 0.64) μm, with a knob-like Stieda body and sporocyst residuum, but without a substiedal body. The sporozoites are often located transversely at the two ends of the sporocysts. The host bird belongs to the order Galliformes.     

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 times 24.5 (24.3–36.5 times 20.0–27.6) μm with a bilayered wall about 1.7 μm 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 times 7.2 (11.5–18.5 times 6.0–9.0) μm, 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.     

Eimeria ornata N. Sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Ornate Box Turtle, Terrapene ornata ornata (Reptilia: Testudines), in Texas

Eimeria ornata n. sp. is described from the feces of 6/16 (37.5%) ornate box turtles, Terrapene ornata ornata , in northcentral Texas. Endogenously sporulated oocysts are ellipsoid 17.9 × 15.7(16-21 × 14-18) μm, with a thin, single-layered wall; shape index 1.14 (1.0-1.3). A micropyle is absent but a polar granule was present in one third of the oocysts. An oocyst residuum was present, consisting of numerous small globules situated either in a distinct mass or scattered within the oocyst. The sporocysts are elongate, 11.1 × 5.4 (9-13 × 5-6) μm, with an indistinct Stieda body at 1 pole. A sporocyst residuum is present, consisting either as a compact mass or as scattered granules. The sporozoites are elongate, 9.5 × 2.0 (8-12 × 2) μm, in situ, with spherical anterior and posterior refractile bodies. The new species is distinguished from the similar Eimeria carri Ernst & Forrester, 1973, from eastern box turtles, T. Carolina , by slight differences in oocyst morphology and endogenous sporulation.     

Eimeria tahamensis N. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Arabian quail (Coturnix delegorguei arabica)

Eimeria tahamensis n. sp. is described from the harlequin quail (Coturnix delegorguei arabica) from Tahama, Saudi Arabia. The sporulated oocysts of E. tahamensis n. sp. are ellipsoid, 36.5-42 X 25.5-29 (41.2 +/- 1.34 X 28.4 +/- 0.81) micron, with a thick two-layered wall and one polar granule but without a micropyle or an oocyst residuum. The sporocysts are ovoid, 14-16 X 9-11.5 (15.3 +/- 0.7 X 10.8 +/- 0.64) micron, with a knob-like Stieda body and sporocyst residuum, but without a substiedal body. The sporozoites are often located transversely at the two ends of the sporocysts. The host bird belongs to the order Galliformes.     

Five new species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from lizards

Five new species of Eimeria are described from lizards. Eimeria baltrocki n. sp. was found in the berber skink, Eumeces schneideri, from Egypt. The oöcysts are cylindroidal, averaging 38 × 18.3 m, with a single thick oöcyst wall. Most oöcysts possess a single polar granule; a micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent. The sporocysts are ellipsoidal and average 11.5 × 8.1 m, each with a large, globular sporocyst residuum; the Stieda body is absent. Eimeria anolidis n. sp. is described form the common anole, Anolis carolinensis, from Florida, USA. The oöcysts are cylindroidal and average 31 × 15.8 m with a thick, single-layered oöcyst wall. Two polar granules are usually present; a micropyle and oöcyst residuum absent. The sporocysts are ellipsoidal and average 9.4 × 7.5 m with a globular sporocyst residuum; the Stieda body is absent. Eimeria guyanensis n. sp is recorded in the ameiva, Ameiva ameiva, from Guyana, South America. The oöcysts are spherical to subspherical, average 19.0 × 17.8 m and possess a thick, single-layered oöcyst wall. Numerous polar granules are present (n > 5); a micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent. The sporocysts are spherical to subspherical, average 7.5 × 7.8 m and possess a compact globular sporocyst residuum; the Stieda body is absent. Eimeria phelsumae n. sp. was recovered from the giant day gecko, Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis, from Madagascar, which harboured a simultaneous infection of E. brygooi. The oöcysts measured 32 × 15 m and are cylindroidal without polar granules, a micropyle or oöcyst residuum, or a Steida body. The sporocysts are ellipsoidal and average 9.8 × 7 m, with a loosely clumped, granular sporocyst residuum; the Steida body is absent. Eimeria leiocephali n. sp. was discovered in the faeces of the ornate ground iguana, Leiocephalus barahonensis, from Haiti. The oöcysts are spherical to subspherical, 21 × 19 m, and contain a number of polar granules (n > 5); a micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent. The sporocysts are spherical, 8 m in diameter and lack a sporocyst residuum. Eimeria turcicus and E. lineri were found in faeces of Hemidactylus turcicus turcicus from the host's country of origin, Turkey.     

Five new species of Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from colubrid snakes of Ecuador.

Fecal samples from 11 colubrid snakes, representing 10 species, collected in Ecuador during October 1994 were examined for coccidian parasites. Feces of 4 individuals, representing 4 host species, contained coccidian oocysts. Three species of Eimeria and 2 species of Isospora were observed and are described here as new. Oocysts of both Eimeria and Isospora were found in the feces of a slug-eating snake, Dipsas vermiculata. Sporulated oocysts of the Eimeria sp. are spheroid to subspheroid, 16.7 by 16.6 microm (14-18 by 14-18 microm) and those of the Isospora sp. are spheroid and 15.0 microm (13-18 microm) in diameter. Imantodes cenchoa, the common bluntheaded treesnake, was infected with a species of Eimeria. These sporulated oocysts are ellipsoid, 23.3 by 16.2 microm (25-21 by 15-17 microm). Sporulated eimerian oocysts from Leptodeira annulata, the southern cat-eyed snake, are subspheroid, 22.5 by 18.8 microm (19-26 by 17-21 microm). Feces of a juvenile Imantodes lentiferus, the bluntheaded vine snake, contained ovoid to ellipsoid isosporan oocysts, which measured 21.6 by 15.0 microm (20-23 by 14-16 microm) when sporulated.     

Isospora atrata N. Sp. (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae): a New Coccidium Isolated from Carduelis atrata (Passeriformes, Fringillidae)

ABSTRACT Large numbers of coccidian oocysts belonging to the genus Isospora were obtained from the intestinal contents of 98 Carduelis atrata imported into Italy from South America during the months of August through December 1994. The oocysts are sub-spherical and average 21 × 20.3 μm (19.4–23.5 μm × 18.5–22 μm), have a bilayered wall, and an oval polar granule (rarely two). The sporocysts are elliptical and measure 18.8 μm × 10.3 μm (17.5–18.94 μm × 9.5–11.0 μm). The Stieda body protrudes slightly from the end of the sporocyst. A large sporocyst residuum is present, consisting of many granules that may be in a compact mass or scattered. Since this Isospora sp.does not resemble any other species of Isospora previously described from birds of the genus Carduelis , it has been named Isospora atrata n. sp. after the host. Disseminated asexual stages were found in mononuclear cells derived from formalin-fixed post mortem material, suggesting this coccidian may represent an Atoxoplasma -like parasite. Four coccidia-free Serinus canarius L. cohabitated for a long period (4 mo) with infected C. atrata but oocysts were never found in the stool of these birds.     

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.     

Prevalence of Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in Oregon llamas

Eimeria alpacae, E. punoensis, E. lamae, and E. macusaniensis were identified in fecal samples from 189 llama (Lama glama (L.] adults and 50 llama crias (animals less than one year of age of any species in the genus Lama) from central and western Oregon. In both adults and crias, E. alpacae was the most common species found. The least common was E. macusaniensis, which was found in only two adults. Overall prevalence and numbers of animals with mixed infections was approximately twice as high in crias as in adults.     

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.     

Eimeria gastrosauris n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the stomach epithelium of Australian geckoes

Eimeria gastrosauris n. sp. exhibited endogenous development in the stomach lining and secretory epithelia of Heteronotia binoei from the Mt Isa region, northern Queensland. Morphologically similar coccidians were found in the stomach of Oedura monilis from the Mt Speke region, northern Queensland. Oöcysts were oblong-ellipsoids, with bivalved sporocysts, two distinct residua and endogenous sporulation. Oöcysts of similar shape and size were also found in faeces of Gehyra australis from the Townsville region of northern Queensland. Developmental stages, consisting of meronts, merozoites, microgamonts, macrogamonts and developing oöcysts, were observed in H. binoei and O. monilis, and are described.     

Early Development of Eimeria Papillata (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) In the Mouse

ABSTRACT Early development of Eimeria papillata (Apicomplexa) in the mouse was evaluated using Nomarski interference-contrast and brightfield microscopy. Sporozoite-shaped meronts, which were motile and contained a large posterior refractile body and a smaller anterior refractile body, were observed entering and leaving host cells in the jejunum of an experimentally infected mouse at 26 h post inoculation (HPI). However, early developmental stages were not observed in tissue of the duodenum, ileum, cecum and colon. the mean length and width of these meronts (n = 20) were 12.0 μm and 3.7 μm, respectively. Spherical or subspherical meronts containing crescent-shaped merozoites were observed at 36 HPI.     

Prevalence of Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in Oregon Llamas1

Eimeria alpacae, E. punoensis, E. lamae, and E. macusaniensis were identified in fecal samples from 189 llama (Lama glama (L.)) adults and 50 llama crias (animals less than one year of age of any species in the genus Lama) from central and western Oregon. In both adults and crias, E. alpacae was the most common species found. The least common was E. macusaniensis, which was found in only two adults. Overall prevalence and numbers of animals with mixed infections was approximately twice as high in crias as in adults.     

Early development of Eimeria papillata (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in the mouse

Early development of Eimeria papillata (Apicomplexa) in the mouse was evaluated using Nomarski interference-contrast and brightfield microscopy. Sporozoite-shaped meronts, which were motile and contained a large posterior refractile body and a smaller anterior refractile body, were observed entering and leaving host cells in the jejunum of an experimentally infected mouse at 26 h post inoculation (HPI). However, early developmental stages were not observed in tissue of the duodenum, ileum, cecum and colon. The mean length and width of these meronts (n = 20) were 12.0 microns and 3.7 microns, respectively. Spherical or subspherical meronts containing crescent-shaped merozoites were observed at 36 HPI.