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.     

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)     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from insectivores. III. Seven new species in shrews (Soricidae: Soricinae) from Canada, Japan, and the United States

Since May 1979, 458 shrews (Blarina sp. and Sorex spp.) representing 20 species collected in Canada, Japan, and the United States were examined for coccidia; 110 (24%) had oocysts in their feces, including 8 of 21 (38%) B. brevicauda from Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont; 2 of 7 (29%) S. caecutiens from Hokkaido and Honshu; 14 of 63 (22%) S. cinereus from Colorado, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Manitoba, and Ontario; 3 of 7 (43%) S. fontinalis from Pennsylvania; 11 of 16 (69%) S. fumeus from Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Ontario; 1 of 4 (25%) S. haydeni from Minnesota; 6 of 8 (75%) S. longirostris from Florida and Virginia; 1 of 2 (50%) S. ornatus from California; 5 of 12 (42%) S. pacificus from California and Oregon; 13 of 41 (32%) S. palustris from California, Colorado, and New Mexico; 1 of 2 (50%) S. tenellus from California; 11 of 105 (10%) S. trowbridgii from California, Oregon, and Washington; 10 of 48 (21%) S. unguiculatus from Hokkaido; and 24 of 112 (21%) S. vagrans from Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington. The following coccidians were identified from infected shrews: Eimeria brevicauda n. sp. from B. brevicauda; Eimeria fumeus n. sp. from S. fumeus, S. pacificus, S. unguiculatus, and S. vagrans; Eimeria inyoni n. sp. from S. tenellus; Eimeria palustris n. sp. from S. cinereus, S. fontinalis, S. fumeus, S. haydeni, S. longirostris, S. ornatus, S. pacificus, S. palustris, S. tenellus, S. trowbridgii, and S. vagrans; Eimeria vagrantis n. sp. from S. fumeus, S. trowbridgii, and S. vagrans; Isospora brevicauda n. sp. from B. brevicauda; and Isospora palustris n. sp. from S. pacificus, S. palustris, S. trowbridgii, S. unguiculatus, and S. vagrans. The world literature on coccidian parasites of shrews (16 eimerians and 3 isosporans exclusive of the 7 new species described here) is reviewed.     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from insectivores. VI. Six new species from the eastern mole, Scalopus aquaticus

Thirteen eastern moles, Scalopus aquaticus, collected in West Texas were examined for coccidian oocysts; 11 (85%) were infected and eight (73%) of these had multiple infections representing two or more species. One cyclosporan, three eimerians, and two isosporans were studied and all are described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Cyclospora megacephali n. sp. were subspheroidal, 18.5 X 15.7 (14-21 X 12-18) microns; they had sporocysts pointed at one end with Stieda bodies nearly as wide as the sporocysts themselves, and were 15.0 X 7.2 (11-17 X 6-9) microns; C. megacephali was found in four (31%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria scalopi n. sp. were spheroidal to subspheroidal, 13.6 X 12.6 (11-17 X 11-15) microns with sporocysts lemon-shaped, 8.7 X 5.5 (7-10 X 4-7) microns; it was found in six (46%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria aquatici n. sp. were asymmetrically ellipsoidal, 17.0 X 10.6 (14-20 X 9-14) microns with sporocysts elongately ovoidal, 9.0 X 5.2 (8-11 X 4-6) microns; it was found in two (15%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria motleiensis n. sp. were subspheroidal, 17.0 X 15.3 (15-20 X 13-18) microns with sporocysts ovoidal, 10.7 X 6.8 (10-13 X 6-8) microns; it was found in seven (54%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora motleiensis n. sp. were spheroidal to subspheroidal, 13.6 X 12.0 (10-17 X 8-15) microns with sporocysts broadly ovoidal, 9.5 X 6.7 (7-11 X 4-8) microns; it was found in nine (69%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora aquatici n. sp. were subspheroidal, 20.9 X 18.4 (15-24 X 13-21) microns with sporocysts ellipsoidal, 11.8 X 9.0 (9-14 X 7-11) microns; it was found in two (15%) hosts.     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from insectivores. VII. Six new species from the hairy-tailed mole, Parascalops breweri

Sixteen hairy-tailed moles, Parascalops breweri, collected from the northeastern U.S.A. were examined for coccidian oocysts; all were infected with multiple species of coccidia and 3 genera were represented. Two cyclosporans, 2 eimerians, and 2 isosporans are described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Cyclospora ashtabulensis n. sp. are subspheroid to ellipsoid, 18 X 14 (14-23 X 11-19) microns, and sporocysts are ovoid, 12 X 7 (8-14 X 5-9) microns; C. ashtabulensis was found in 7 of 16 (44%) moles. Sporulated oocysts of Cyclospora parascalopi n. sp. are spheroid, 17 X 14 (13-20 X 11-20) microns, and sporocysts are ovoid, 11 X 7 (8-14 X 5-8) microns; C. parascalopi was found in 8 of 16 (50%) moles. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria aethiospora n. sp. are subspheroid to ellipsoid, 19 X 13 (15-24 X 10-16) microns, and sporocysts are ovoid, 11 X 6 (8-13 X 4-7) microns; E. aethiospora was found in 4 of 16 (25%) moles. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria titthus n. sp. are subspheroid, 16 X 14 (13-19 X 11-17) microns, and sporocysts are ellipsoid, 11 X 6 (9-13 X 4-7) microns; E. titthus was found in 4 of 16 (25%) moles. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora ashtabulensis n. sp. are ellipsoid, 20 X 14 (16-24 X 10-18) microns, and sporocysts are ovoid, 10 X 7 (7-14 X 5-10) microns; I. ashtabulensis was found in 5 of 16 (31%) moles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Coccidian Parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Insectivores: New Species from Shrew Moles (Talpidae) in the United States1

All of 18 shrew moles, Neurotrichus gibbsii, collected in Oregon and Washington were infected with one or more species of coccidia. Three eimerians and one isosporan were identified and described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria heterocapita n. sp. were subspheroid to ellipsoid, 25.5 times 21.4 (23–27 times 18–23) μm. A membranous, cap-like structure was present at one pole of the oocyst, but a micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar body were absent. Ovoid sporocysts were 13.6 times 10.0 (12–15 times 9–11) μm; a compact sporocyst residuum was present, but Stieda, sub-, and parastieda bodies were absent. This species was found in 2 of 18 (11%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria neurotrichi n. sp. were avoid, 17.6 times 13.6 (16–20 times 11–16) μm; micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent, but a polar body was present. Ovoid sporocysts were 10.7 times 5.5 (9–12 times 5–6) μm; Stieda body and sporocyst residuum were present, but sub- and parastieda bodies were absent. This species was found in 2 of 18 (11%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria parastiedica n. sp. were subspheroid, 27.4 times 25.5 (25–30 times 22–28) μm; micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar body were absent. Ovoid sporocysts, pointed at both ends, were 18.3 times 10.4 (16–20 times 9–11) μm; Stieda, sub-, and parastieda bodies were present as was a sporocyst residuum. This species was found in 2 of 18 (11%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora neurotrichi n. sp. were subspheroid, 13.9 times 12.0 (11–16 times 10–15) μm; micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent, but 1–3 polar bodies were present. Ellipsoid sporocysts were 9.2 times 6.1 (8–11 times 5–8) μm; sub- and parastieda bodies were absent, but a Stieda body and sporocyst residuum were present. This species was found in 17 of 18 (94%) hosts. Ten of 18 (56%) hosts were seen to be naturally infected with only one coccidium.     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from insectivores. V. Ten forms from the moles of Japan (Euroscaptor, Mogera spp.)

Moles from Japan were examined for coccidian oocysts, and 67 of 77 (87%) hosts were infected including 8 of 11 (73%) Euroscaptor mizura, 31 of 36 (86%) Mogera kobeae, 17 of 17 M. tokudae, and 11 of 13 (85%) M. wogura. Of 67 infected hosts, 57 (85%) had multiple infections representing 2-5 coccidian species when examined. All oocysts in the infected fecal samples remained unsporulated and the absence of sporulation may be the result of storing feces from Japanese moles in 2% aqueous H2SO4. Five structurally distinct forms of unsporulated oocysts were found in E. mizura, and five distinct forms of unsporulated oocysts were also seen in Mogera spp. Two of the forms from E. mizura were similar to forms from Mogera spp., and the five forms from Mogera were shared freely between the three Mogera species. This is the first systematic survey of Japanese moles for coccidia.     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) of Microtus spp. (Rodentia: Arvicolidae) from the United States, Mexico, and Japan, with descriptions of five new species

Beginning in July 1980, 149 voles (Microtus spp.) representing 9 species and 14 subspecies collected in Japan, Mexico and the United States were examined for coccidia; 67 (45%) had oocysts in their feces. These included 1 of 3 (33%) M. californicus sactidiegi; 0 of 1 M. longicaudus longicaudus; 0 of 1 M. l. macrurus; 48 of 111 (43%) M. mexicanus including 11 of 26 (42%) M. m. fulviventer, 1 of 2 (50%) M. m. fundatus, 13 of 31 (42%) M. m. mexicanus, 1 of 4 (25%) M. m. mogollonensis and 22 of 48 (46%) M. m. subsimus; 5 of 8 (63%) M. montanus arizonensis; 6 of 6 M. montebelli montebelli; 2 of 4 (50%) M. oregoni oregoni; 5 of 13 (38%) M. pennsylvanicus pennsylvanicus; 0 of 1 M. quasiater and 0 of 1 M. townsendii townsendii. The following coccidians were identified from infected voles: Eimeria saxei n. sp. (syn. E. wenrichi "B") from M. c. sactidiegi; E. ochrogasteri, E. saxei, E. wenrichi (syn. E. wenrichi "A"), and Eimeria sp. from M. m. fulviventer, Eimeria sp. from M. m. fundatus; E. ochrogasteri, E. saxei, Eimeria tolucadensis n. sp., E. wenrichi, and Eimeria sp. from M. m. mexicanus; E. wenrichi from M. m. mogollonensis; Eimeria coahuiliensis n. sp., E. saxei, Eimeria subsimi n. sp., E. wenrichi, Eimeria sp., and Isospora mexicanasubsimi n. sp. from M. m. subsimus; E. tamiasciuri and E. wenrichi from M. m. arizonensis; Eimeria spp. from M. m. montebelli; E. saxei and E. wenrichi from M. o. oregoni; and E. ochrogasteri and E. wenrichi from M. p. pennsylvanicus. Sporulated oocytsts of Eimeria coahuiliensis n. sp. were ellipsoid, 29.6 X 19.6 (27-34 X 18-22) micron with ovoid sporocysts 14.4 X 8.9 (13-18 X 8-10) microns. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria saxei n. sp. were subspheroid, 13.0 X 11.0 (11-14 X 10-12) micron with ovoid sporocysts 7.5 X 4.0 (6-9 X 4-5) micron. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria subsimi n. sp. were ovoid/subspheroid, 25.1 X 18.7 (22-28 X 17-21) micron with ellipsoid sporocysts 13.9 X 7.4 (13-15 X 6-8) micron. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria tolucadensis n. sp. were subspheroid, 25.4 X 20.3 (23-26 X 19-23) micron with ellipsoid sporocysts 11.3 X 7.8 (10-13 X 7-9) micron. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora mexicanasubsimi n. sp. were subspheroid, 23.7 X 23.1 (21-26 X 21-26) micron with ovoid sporocysts 14.9 X 10.8 (12-16 X 10-12) micron.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Coccidian Parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Insectivores. II. Six New Species from Japanese Shrew Moles (Talpidae)1

ABSTRACT. 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 × 17.9(18-25 × 16-21) μm. Sporocysts were amorphous, gelatinoid envelopes 20.3 × 7.5 (17–24 × 7–9) μm. 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 × 24.4 (25–30 × 21–28) μm; a highly ornate outer oocyst wall gave the appearance of a ciliated ball. Sporocysts ovoid, pointed at both ends, were 17.0 × 9.0 (15–19 × 7–11) μm; this species was found in 4 of 45 (8.9%) U. talpoides. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria talpoidei n. sp. were asymmetrical ovoid, 20.6 × 13.3 (18–23 × 12–15) μm, with sporocysts lacrimiform, 12.0 × 5.8 (10–14 × 5–7) μm. This species was found in 7 of 45 (15.6%) U. talpoides. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria honshuensis n. sp. were ellipsoid, 15.5 × 11.4 (13–18 × 10–13) μm, with sporocysts ovoid, 9.1 × 5.2 (8–10 × 4–6) μm. 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 × 12.6 (13–17 × 11–13) μm, with sporocysts ellipsoid, 10.9 × 6.9 (10–13 × 6–8). This species was found in six of six D. pilirostris. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora urotrichi n. sp. were spheroid/subspheroid, 13.4 × 12.4 (11–16 × 9–14) μm, with sporocysts ovoid, 9.2 × 6.3 (8–11 × 5–7) μm. 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.     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) of Graptemys caglei and Graptemys versa (Testudines: Emydidae) from Texas

Nineteen map turtles, Graptemys caglei and Graptemys versa were collected from the Guadalupe and Colorado River watersheds of south-central Texas and examined for coccidial parasites. Thirteen of the 19 turtles (68%), including 11 of 16 (69%) G. caglei and 2 of 3 (67%) G. versa, were infected with at least 1 coccidian. Five Eimeria spp. (E. chrysemydis, E. graptemydos, E. lutotestudinis, E. pseudogeographica, and E. trachemydis) were harbored by G. caglei, and 2 eimerians (E. graptemydos and E. mitraria) infected G. versa. This represents new host records for these previously described coccidians and is the first time parasites have been documented in turtles of both species.     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) of the endemic Florida snake Tantilla relicta Telford (Serpentes: Colubridae)

The endemic Florida snake Tantilla relicta Telford is parasitised by six species of coccidia. Caryospora tantillae n. sp. has nearly spherical oöcysts, 19.6 × 18.9 µm (16–22 × 16–21), with no polar body, and an oöcyst length/width ratio (shape index, SI) of 1.04 (1.00–1.11). Ovoidal sporocysts are 15.1 × 11.6 µm (12–17 × 10–13), with an SI of 1.30 (1.1–1.6), a single prominent Stieda body and a sporocyst residuum. Sporozoites are 14 × 2.5 µm. Caryospora relictae n. sp. also has nearly spherical oöcysts, 18.5 × 17.6 µm (16–22 × 15–20), but is distinguished by having a distinct polar body and a substieda body in sporocysts. The oöcyst SI is 1.05 (1.0–1.2). Sporocysts are ovoidal, 14.8 × 11.4 µm (12–17 × 10–16), with an SI of 1.29 (1.1–1.5) and a sporocyst residuum. Sporozoites are 10–14 × 2–2.5 µm. Isospora cf. wilsoni has ovoidal to spherical oöcysts without a micropyle, measure 17.4 × 17.1 µm (15–19 × 15–19), and have an SI of 1.02 (1.00–1.07). Oöcysts have no polar granule or oöcyst residuum. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 11.4 × 8.2 µm (9–14 × 7–10), with an SI of 1.39 (1.18–1.62). Both a Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present, but a substieda body, characteristic of I. wilsoni as described, was not observed. Sporozoites are 7–8 × 2.5–3 µm. An Eimeria sp., of which the sample was too small to justify taxonomic designation, has nearly spherical oöcysts without micropyle, a size of 22.5 × 20.9 µm (22–23 × 20–22), an SI of 1.08 (1.00–1.12) and no polar granule. Sporocysts measure 12.5 × 8.9 µm (11–14 × 7–11) and have an SI of 1.44 (1.18–1.87), a sporocyst residuum and no Stieda body. Sporozoites are 13 × 5 µm. Eimeria amphorae n. sp. has ovoidal to spherical oöcysts without a micropyle, a size of 24.8 × 22.3 µm (23–27 × 20–26), an SI of 1.12 (1.02–1.25) and no polar granule or oöcyst residuum. Sporocysts are elongate, 18.4 X 8.0 µm (17-22 × 6-9.5), with an SI 2.33 (1.79–3.00) and no discernible Stieda body or sporocyst residuum. Sporocyst shape differs by orientation, rectangular to amphora-like, tapering abruptly to a blunt point; sporozoites large, 15.5 × 4.2 µm. A biliary parasite, Eimeria pleistocenensis n. sp., has ovoidal to elongate oöcysts, without micropyle, with a size of 27.8 × 19.4 µm (23–32 × 14–23), with an SI of 1.44 (1.17–1.82) and an oöcyst residuum but no polar granule. Sporocysts ovoidal, 10.7 × 8.6 (9–13 × 8–10), with an SI of 1.24 (1.05–1.37), a sporocyst residuum, but without Stieda body; sporozoites 8.8 × 2.7 µm. Similar oöcysts from other Tantilla relicta populations, T. relicta neilli in north Florida T. relicta pamlica in southeastern Florida and T. relicta relicta in south-central Florida, have dimensions that lie within the range of variation in the type population and identically shaped sporocysts that suggest conspecificity with E. pleistocenensis, and presence of the species in the precursor to Tantilla relicta prior to the second interglacial period.     

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.     

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.     

Two new species of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Madagascar Gekkonids

Two new species of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) are described from the Madagascar giant day gecko, Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis, and the Golddust day gecko, P. laticauda. Both species of coccidia were found to infect the anterior one-half of the small intestine. Oocysts of Eimeria brygooi n. sp. are spherical or subspherical, 23.0 X 21.3 (18.8-25.2 X 16.4-23.2)micron; shape index (L/W) 1.1 (1.0-1.2). A micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are ovoid, 9.2 X 7.9 (8.0-10.0 X 7.2-8.8) micron; shape index 1.2 (1.0-1.3), with a Goussia-type suture; Stieda and substieda bodies are absent. A sporocyst residuum is present, 4.2 X 3.0 (3.2-6.4 X 2.4-4.0) micron. Sporozoites are elongate, with anterior and posterior refractile bodies. This coccidian was found to infect five of six (83%) P. m. grandis and one of five (20%) P. laticauda examined. Oocysts of Isospora gekkonis n. sp. are spherical or subspherical, 24.2 X 22.0 (21.6-26.4 X 20.0-23.6) micron; shape index 1.1 (1.0-1.2). A micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent; polar granule present. Sporocysts are ovoid, 12.2 X 9.4 (11.2-12.8 X 8.4-10.0) micron, with Stieda and substieda bodies; shape index 1.3 (1.2-1.4). A sporocyst residuum is present, either compact, 5.1 X 4.2 (4.0-7.2 X 3.2-5.6) micron or diffuse. Sporozoites are elongate, with anterior and posterior refractile bodies. Isospora gekkonis was found in two of six (33%) P. m. grandis and one of five (20%) P. laticauda. In addition, oocysts of Cryptosporidium sp. were found in the cloacas of two of six (33%) necropsied P. m. grandis.     

Eimeria species (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) infecting Peromyscus rodents in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico with description of a new species

Of 198 deermice (Peromyscus spp) collected from various localities in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, 106 (54%) had eimerian oocysts in their feces when examined. These included 50 of 106 (47%) Peromyscus truei, 34 of 54 (63%) Peromyscus maniculatus, 4 of 17 (24%) Peromyscus leucopus, and 18 of 21 (86%) Peromyscus eremicus. The following Eimeria were identified from infected mice: Eimeria arizonensis and Eimeria langebarteli from P. truei; E. arizonensis, Eimeria peromysci, and Eimeria delicata from P. maniculatus; E. arizonensis and Eimeria lachrymalis n. sp. from P. eremicus; and E. langebarteli from P. leucopus. Of the 106 Peromyscus found positive for Eimeria, 97 (91.5%) harbored only a single eimerian species at the time of examination. Sporulated oocysts of E. lachrymalis n. sp. were ellipsoid, 27-35 X 17-21 (30.8 +/- 1.7 X 19.1-0.9) micron, possessed a smooth wall and one polar granule, but lacked a micropyle and an oocyst residuum. Sporocysts were teardrop-shaped, 9-13 X 6-10 (10.9 +/- 0.9 X 7.9 +/- 0.5) micron, and had a Stieda body and sporocyst residuum, but no substieda body. Prepatent periods in experimental infections were 3-6 days after inoculation (DAI) for E. arizonensis (hosts: P. eremicus, P. maniculatus, P. truei); 4-5 DAI for E. peromysci (host: P. maniculatus); 6-9 DAI for E. langebarteli (hosts: P. truei, P. leucopus); and 8-10 DAI for E. lachrymalis (host: P. eremicus). Patency in these infections lasted 6-11 days for E. arizonensis, 5-10 days for E. peromysci, 14-40+ days for E. langebarteli, and 19-50+ days for E. lachrymalis. Eimeria lachrymalis appears to produce occult infections in P. eremicus that can be reactivated upon inoculation of the host with E. arizonensis.     

Five new species of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Madagascan chameleons (Sauria: Chamaeleonidae)

Coprological examination of 19 Madagascan chameleons of the genera Furcifer and Brookesia revealed the presence of five new coccidian species. Isospora brygooi n. sp. from Furcifer pardalis has spherical to subspherical oöcysts with a slightly pitted wall, 20.7 (17–24.5) × 19.3 (16–23) m and broadly ellipsoidal sporocysts, 12.2 (11.5–13) × 8.1 (8–8.5) m, with Stieda and substieda bodies. Oöcysts of Eimeria glawi n. sp. from Furcifer pardalis are cylindrical to ellipsoidal, 27.7 (26–29.5) × 18.4 (17–19) m, with ellipsoidal sporocysts, 7.3 (6.5–8) × 5.2 (5–5.5) m. E. vencesi n. sp. described from F. pardalis has spherical to subspherical oöcysts, 14.3 (13–15.5) × 13.0 (12–13) m, with small granules, one to three globular polar granules and ellipsoidal sporocysts, 7.3 (6.5–8) × 5.2 (5–5.5) m. E. worthi n. sp., described from Furcifer oustaleti has spherical oöcysts, 17.9 (17.5–19.0) × 15.0 (14.5–16.0) m without a polar granule and ellipsoidal to cylindroidal sporocysts, 8.2 (7.0–9.5) × 5.8 (5.0–6.5) m. Oöcysts of E. brookesiae n. sp. from Brookesia decaryi are cylindrical, 25.6 (23–27) × 15.0 (13–16) m with ellipsoidal sporocysts, 10.1 (9–11) × 6.9 (6–7) m. Endogenous development of E. vencesi is confined to the intestine, while that of E. glawi occurs in the gall-bladder.     

Studies on the Coccidian Parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae and Pfeifferinellidae) of Pulmonate Gastropods1

Pulmonate and prosobranch gastropods collected in Minnesota and Washington were examined for the presence of coccidian parasites. Typical coccidian oocysts were recovered from the feces of 89 of 543 (16%) pulmonate snails representing the families Lymnaeidae, Physidae, Planorbidae, and Succineidae. No coccidial infections were apparent in 104 specimens representing the prosobranch families Viviparidae and Pleuroceridae. Oocysts identified as Pfeifferinella ellipsoides were recovered from 21 of 101 (21%) Stagnicola elodes, 2 of 94 (2%) Physa gyrina, and 4 of 67 (6%) Aplexa hypnorum although incidence of infection differed greatly (2–40%) dependent upon the locality sample. This coccidian has not been described previously from North America and is reported here from members of the families Lymnaeidae and Physidae for the first time. Twenty percent of Oxyloma retusa from one habitat were shedding oocysts slightly smaller than, but otherwise identical with, those of Alveocystis gugleri. A third as yet unidentified oocyst was recovered from up to 54% of Helisoma trivolvis. As a group, the coccidia of pulmonate molluscs have been poorly studied. The findings of this survey, however, suggest that these parasites may be more common and widely distributed in both the Basommatophora and Stylommatophora than previously believed.     

Two new species of Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from passeriform birds of South America

Summary Two new species of Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) are described from the faeces of passeriform birds of South America. I. cyanocoracis n. sp. is described from Cyanocorax chrysops (Passeriformes: Corvidae) and I. paroariae n. sp. from Paroaria coronata (Passeriformes: Emberizidae). I. cyanocoracis oocysts are spherical or subspherical, 28.7×26.8 m (25.0–30.5×24.5–29.0), with bi-layered wall about 2.0 m thick. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent; large polar granule present. Sporocysts are ovoid, 19.3×11.4 m (17.0–21.0×10.5–12.2), with smooth, single-layered wall about 0.8 m thick. Stieda and substiedal bodies and sporocyst residuum are present. Sporozoites 12.2×4.2 m (10.5–15.0×3.5–4.5), possess spherical anterior and posterior refractile bodies. I. paroariae oocysts are spherical or subspherical, 22.3×21.4 m (19.5–25.5×18.5–24.0), and have bi-layered wall about 1.8 m thick. Micropyle, polar granule, and oocyst residuum are absent. Sporocysts ovoid, 15.2×10.0 m (14.0–16.5×8.0–11.5), possess smooth, single-layered wall about 0.7 m thick. Stieda and substiedal bodies and sporocyst residuum are present. Sporozoites elongate, 11.3×3.4 m (10.0–13.5×3.2–4.0), have single, large, posterior refractile body. ac]19840712     

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.     

Six new species of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from East African chameleons (Sauria: Chamaeleonidae)

Coprological examination of 83 East African chameleon specimens revealed 32.5% prevalence of coccidian parasites. Six species are described as new: Eimeria tilburyi n. sp. from Chamaeleo jacksonii has cylindrical oocysts, 28.9 (26-33) x 16.0 (14-18) microm and occasionally a small polar granule. Sporocysts are oval to ellipsoidal, 10.6 (9-12) x 7.2 (6-8) microm, without Stieda and substieda bodies; endogenous stages were found in the gall bladder. Oocysts of Eimeria largeni n. sp. from Chamaeleo gracilis are broadly cylindrical, 31.2 (29.5-34) x 19.3 (18.5-20) microm, with 1-3 polar granules. Sporocysts are oval, 10.2 (10-11) x 7.6 (7-8.5) microm, without Stieda and substieda bodies. Eimeria bohemii n. sp. from Chamaeleo melleri has cylindrical oocysts, 25.0 (24-26) x 14.0 (13-15) microm, without a polar granule. Sporocysts are broadly oval, 9.4 (9-10) x 6.5 (6-7) microm, without Stieda and substieda bodies. Isospora wildi n. sp. from Chamaeleo dilepis has subspherical to broadly oval oocysts, 25 (22-28) x 21.4 (18-24) microm, with a smooth wall 1 microm thick. Sporocysts are broadly oval to ellipsoidal, 12.3 (12-13) x 9.7 (9-10) microm, with Stieda and substieda bodies. Oocysts of Isospora necasi n. sp. from C. melleri are subspherical to broadly oval, 26.6 (21-30) x 24.3 (20-27) microm, with a velvetlike wall 2 microm thick. Sporocysts are broadly ellipsoidal, 12.8 (12-14) x 9.8 (9-10) microm, with slightly pointed end and with Stieda and substieda bodies. Oocysts of Isospora munriyu n. sp. from C. jacksonii are spherical to subspherical, 23.6 (21.5-25) x 21.9 (21-23) microm, with a finely granulated wall 1.5 microm thick. Sporocysts are broadly ellipsoidal, 12.4 (12-13) X 8.7 (8-10) microm, with Stieda and substieda bodies.