Isospora mcquistioni and Isospora bioccai (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae): two new coccidian parasites from Carduelis sinica (Passeriformes, Fringillidae).

The following two species are described from Carduelis sinica (Greenfinch) from Italy. The oocysts of Isospora mcquistioni n. sp. were 26.0 x 22.6 (24.0-28.5 x 20.0-24.2) microns and ovoid with a smooth bilayered wall. Neither micropyle nor oocyst residuum were observed. One polar granule was found. Sporocysts were oval, 18.1 x 11.4 (16.0-19.8 x 11.0-12.0) microns, and with a symmetrical Stieda complex. The residuum was compact and spherical. Isospora bioccai n. sp. oocysts were spherical to subspherical and 24.0 x 23.6 (22.0-26.0 x 21.0-25.8) microns. The oocyst wall was smooth and bilayered. A micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent; 4 to 10 elongate polar granules were present. Sporocysts were 19.5 x 11.6 (18.0-20.0 x 10.0-12.4) microns, ellipsoidal, and with a symmetrical Stieda complex. The sporocyst residuum was diffuse and composed of a few granules.     

Three new species of Isospora schneider, 1881 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the double-collared seed eater, Sporophila caerulescens (Passeriformes: Emberizidae), from Eastern Brazil

Three isosporan species are described from the double-collared seedeater, Sporophila caerulescens from Eastern Brazil. Isospora sporophilae n. sp. oocysts spherical to subspherical; oocyst wall bi-layered, smooth, inner layer colorless to pale yellowish, 21.6 x 20.9 (19.20-23.20 x 18.40-22.60) microm, shape-index 1.03 +/- 0.02 (1-1.10), with no micropyle or oocyst residuum. Polar bodies splinter-like or comma-like. Sporocysts ovoidal, 15.2 x 10.6 (17.40-12.80 x 12.60-8.40) microm, shape-index 1.43 +/- 0.14 (1.17-1.81), with knob-like Stieda body and residuum. Large crystalloid body in the center of the sporocyst. Isospora flausinoi n. sp. oocysts spherical to subspherical, oocyst wall bi-layered, smooth, colorless, 17.30 x 16.53 (14-20 x 13.60-20) microm, shape-index 1.05 +/- 0.04 (1-1.21). Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent; presence of a large polar body. Sporocystpiriform, 14.88 x 10.70 (11.80-18 x 8-12.40) microm, shape-index 1.40 +/- 0.18 (1.07-1.77), with smooth, thin, single-layered wall. Sporocyst with rounded Stieda body with no substieda body, and residuum composed of granular material. Isospora teixeirafilhoi n. sp. oocysts spherical to subspherical, oocyst wall bi-layered, smooth, colorless, 17.41 x 16.81 (15.60 - 19.40 x 14.20-18.80) microm. Shape-index 1.04 +/- 0.08 (1-1.12). Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent; presence of a small double-lobuled polar body. Sporocyst ovoid, 11.74 x 8.12 (9-14.20 x 6.20-9.40) microm. Shape-index 1.46 +/- 0.23 (1.06-1.88). Sporocyst with knob-like Stieda body, no sub-Stieda body and residuum composed of granular material.     

Four new species of Isospora from the small tree finch (Camarhynchus parvulus) from the Galapagos Islands

Four isosporan species are described from the small tree finch, Camarhynchus parvulus from Isabela Island on the Galapagos Archipelago. Isospora exigua n. sp. oocysts subspheroidal, one-layered, smooth, yellow-brown color, 20.4 X 20.1 (20-23 X 18-23) microns, with no micropyle, residuum, or polar body. Sporocysts ovoidal, 14 X 9.5 (13-15 X 8-10) microns, with small Stieda and substieda bodies and irregular-shaped residuum. Isospora rotunda n. sp. oocysts subspheroidal, single-layered, smooth, yellow-brown wall with large polar body and no micropyle or residuum, 20.9 X 20.8 (20-24 X 19-23) microns. Sporocysts ovoidal, 15 X 9.7 (13-16 X 9-10) microns with knob-like Stieda bodies, prominent substieda bodies and round residuum. Isospora fragmenta n. sp. oocysts subspheroidal with no micropyle or residuum but with many splinter-like polar granules and a smooth, colorless, single-layered wall, 25.3 X 24.2 (24-27 X 23-25) microns. Sporocysts piriform 15.4 X 11.5 (14-17 X 11-12) microns with knob-like Stieda bodies, prominent substieda bodies, and irregular-shaped residuum. Isospora temeraria n. sp. oocysts ellipsoidal with one polar body, no micropyle or residuum, and wall of a single layer, smooth, yellow-brown color, 25.4 X 21.1 (21-30 X 17-23) microns. Sporocysts piriform, 15 X 10 (14-15 X 9-11) microns with knob-like Stieda bodies, prominent substieda bodies, and a round residuum. One woodpecker finch, Cactospiza pallida, was found to be infected with I. exigua, and a warbler finch, Certhidea olivacea was infected with I. fragmenta.     

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.     

Three new species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the lesser seed-finch, Oryzoborus angolensis (Passeriformes: Emberizidae) from Brazil

Three new coccidian (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) species are reported from the lesser seed-finch, Oryzoborus angolensis from Brazil. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora curio n. sp. are spherical to subspherical; 24.6 x 23.6 (22-26 x 22-25) microm, shape-index (SI, length/width) of 1.04 (1.00-1.15). Oocyst wall is bilayerd, approximately 1.5 microm thick, smooth and colourless. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. The sporocysts are ovoid, 13.2 x 10.9 (15-17 x 10-13) microm, SI = 1.56 (1.42-1.71), with a small Stieda body and residuum composed of numerous granules scattered among the sporozoites. Sporozoites are elongated and posses a smooth surface and two distinct refractile bodies. Oocysts of Isospora braziliensis n. sp. are spherical to subspherical, 17.8 x 16.9 (16-19 x 16-18) microm, with a shape-index of 1.06 (1.00-1.12) and a smooth, single-layered wall approximately 1 microm thick. A micropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granules are absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoid and slightly asymmetric, 13.2 x 10.8 (12-14 x 9-12) microm, SI = 1.48 (1.34-1.61). Each sporocyst contains a barely visible Stieda body and a residuum composed numerous of granules. Sporozoites are elongated and each of them contains two distinct refractile bodies. Oocysts of Isospora paranaensis n. sp. are subspherical to broadly ellipsoid 24.3 x 19.8 (22-26 x 18-22) microm, SI = 1.22 (1.15-1.38) with smooth single-layered wall approximately 1.5 microm thick. A micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but one distinct ellipsoid polar granule (2.5-3.5 x 1.5-2.5 microm) is present. Sporocyst are ovoid, 15.7 x 10.1 (14-18 x 8-12) microm, SI = 1.46 (1.31-1.72), with distinct Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies. Each sporocyst contains a spherical sporocyst residuum, 4 microm in diameter All described isosporan species represent a possible cause of acute coccidiosis for O. angolensis in captivity.     

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.     

Eimeria clethrionomysis sp. n., Eimeria gallatii sp. n., Eimeria pileata sp. n. and Eimeria marconii sp. n. from the red-backed vole Clethrionomys gapperi Vigors, from Pennsylvania.

Four new eimerian species are described from red-backed voles, Clethrionomys gapperi in Pennsylvania. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria clethrionomyis sp. n. are ellipsoidal, 18.8 (16.5-21.5) x 14.9 (14.0-16.5) with elongate, ovoid sporocysts, 10.6 (9.5-12.0) x6.1 (5.5-7.0). The oocyst wall is smooth, with 2 layers, and thins, with terminal cap at one or both ends. Polar granules, dark Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. The oocyst residuum is absent. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria gallatii sp. n. are ellipsoidal, 27.7 (21-32) x 19.3 (17-24) with ovoid sporocysts, 13.5 (12-15) x 8.8 (8-10). The oocyst wall is smooth, 2-layered, with a micropyle and thin wall at the end opposite the micropyle. Polar granules, Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. The oocyst residuum is atypical, of cobwebby material. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria pileata sp. n. are subspherical to spherical, 25.2 (20.5-29.5) x 22.5 (19.5-25.5) with ellipsoidal sporocysts, 13.4(10.5-15.0) x 8.4 (7.5-9.5). The oocyst wall is rough, pitted, striated, 2-layered, with no micropyle. Polar granules, oocyst and sporocyst residuum, Stieda body and stiedal cap are present. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria marconii sp. n. are ellipsoidal, 13.0 (10.5-15-0) x 10.6 (9.5-12.0) with elongate, ovoid sporocysts, 7.7 (7.0-8.5) x 4.2 (3.0-4.5). The oocyst wall is smooth, single-layered, with no micropyle. Polar granules, dark Stiedal body and sporocyst residuum are present. There is no oocyst residuum.     

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 gozaishoensis n. sp. from the Formosan serow (Capricornis crispus swinhoei)

Eimeria gozaishoensis n. sp. was found in the Formosan serow (Capricornis crispus swinhoei). The oocysts were ovoid, 29.41 +/- 0.58 x 20.77 +/- 0.41 microns with a bilayered wall. A micropyle and micropylar cap were observed, but a polar granule and oocyst residuum were absent. Sporocysts were ovoid, 11.78 +/- 0.30 x 7.60 +/- 0.31 microns, with sporocyst residuum and Stieda body. The new species differs from other known species of the genus by the morphology of oocysts and that domestic goats apparently could not be infected. The sporulation time was 6 to 7 days.     

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.     

Six new Eimeria species from vespertilionid bats of North America.

Twenty species of bats (Molossidae, Vespertilionidae) were collected from California, New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, and Baja California Norte (Mexico), and 29 of 404 (7%) animals, including Antrozous pallidus, Eptesicus fuscus, Myotis auriculus, Myotis californicus, Myotis ciliolabrum, Myotis evotis, Myotis lucifugus, Myotis thysanodes, Myotis vivesi, Myotis volans, Myotis yumanensis, and Nycticeius humeralis were infected with Eimeria spp., which represent 6 new species. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from A. pallidus are subspheroidal, 24.8 x 21.6 (22-27 x 19-24) microm with a polar granule and a large globular residuum. The oocyst wall is sculptured, with 2 layers, approximately 1.5 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 11.5 x 7.8 (9-13 x 7-10) microm, with Stieda body and residuum of many large granules. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from M. californicus are subspheroidal, 20.7 x 18.2 (19-23 x 16-20) microm, with 1-7 tiny polar granules, but without oocyst residuum. The oocyst wall is rough, with 2 layers, approximately 1.4 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 11.2 x 7.3 (10-12 x 7-8) microm, with Stieda body and a globular residuum. Sporulated oocysts of a second new species from M. californicus are subspheroidal, 23.1 x 20.7 (20-26 x 19-23) microm, with residuum and 1 polar granule, but a micropyle is absent. The oocyst wall is rough with 2 layers, approximately 1.5 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 12.5 x 7.2 (11-14 x 7-8) microm, with a Stieda body and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from M. ciliolabrum are subspheroidal, 24.9 x 20.1 (18-27 x 17-23) microm, with 1-2 polar granules, but without micropyle and residuum. The oocyst wall is rough with 2 layers, approximately 1.5 thick. Ellipsoidal sporocysts are 12.5 x 9.0 (8-14 x 7-10) microm, with Stieda and substieda bodies and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from M. evotis are subspheroidal, 21.3 x 18.6 (20-24 x 15-20) microm, with a prominent polar granule, but without micropyle and residuum. The oocyst wall is smooth with 2 layers, approximately 1.0 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 12.2 x 8.0 (11-13 x 7.5-9) microm, with Stieda and substieda bodies and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of the new species from N. humeralis are subspheroidal, 22.4 x 18 (21-24 x 17-20) microm, with 1-3 polar granules, but residuum and micropyle are absent. The oocyst wall is lightly sculptured with 2 layers, approximately 1.4 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 10.9 x 7.7 (9-12 x 6-8) microm, with Stieda body and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of E. pilarensis Scott and Duszynski, 1997 and those of at least 12 other morphological forms were seen in the other infected bats; these latter forms were seen in too few numbers to be adequately described as new species.     

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.     

Caryospora uptoni n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis borealis)

Oocysts of Caryospora uptoni n. sp. were described from the feces of red-tailed hawks, Buteo jamaicensis borealis. Sporulated oocysts were spherical or subspherical and measured 28.1 by 26.4 micron. The oocyst wall was composed of a yellowish outer layer and brownish inner layer and was about 1.5 micron thick. Neither micropyle, polar granules, nor oocyst residuum were present. A single, spherical sporocyst 18.2 by 17.9 micron was present; a Stieda body was absent. A spherical eccentrically located sporocyst residuum was present in many sporocysts, but it degenerated to form a dispersed granular residuum in other sporocysts. Eight randomly arranged sporozoites, 12.6 by 4.2 micron, were present in each sporocyst; they contained a centrally or slightly posteriorly located nucleus.     

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.     

Coccidia of Brazilian mammals: Eimeria marajoensis N. Sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Anteater, Tamandua tetradactyla (Xenarthra: Myrmecophagidae)

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 x 13.4 +/- 1.4 (11.1-16.5 x 11.1-16.5) microns, shape index (length/width) 1.0 (1.0-1.2). The oocyst wall is a single, colorless layer about 0.6-1.0 microns 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 microns is consistently present. The sporocysts are broadly ellipsoidal, 7.1 +/- 0.7 +/- 5.3 +/- 0.6 (6.0-8.8 x 4.0-5.7) microns, shape index 1.3 (1.2-1.5), with a delicate wall bearing 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 x 2.0 microns. Sporocyst refractile bodies were not discernable.     

Eimeria from bats of Bolivia: two new species from vespertilionid bats.

Between 1985 and 1987, fecal samples were collected from 71 bats representing 14 species (Desmodontidae, Molossidae, Noctilionidae, Phyllostomidae, Vespertilionidae) from 8 localities in 3 states (Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz) in Bolivia, South America. Of these, 2 black myotid bats (Vespertilionidae), Myotis nigricans, and 1 tent-making bat (Phyllostomidae), Uroderma magnirostrum, had oocysts in their feces that represent undescribed species of Eimeria. The new species from M. nigricans (2/4, 50%) has sporulated oocysts that are subspheroidal, 18.9 x 16.9 (17-23 x 14-20) microm, without a micropyle; oocyst residuum of 6-8 spheroidal globules and 1 highly refractile polar granule are present. The oocyst wall has 2 layers (approximately 1.3 microm thick), with a rough outer layer. Ovoidal sporocysts are 10.1 x 7.4 (7-14 x 5-10) microm, with a Stieda body, substieda body, and a sporocyst residuum. The new eimerian species from U. magnirostrum (1/2, 50%) has sporulated oocysts that are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal, 23.8 x 20.8 (20-26 x 19-24) microm, without micropyle or oocyst residuum, but 1-3 polar granules are present. The oocyst wall has 2 layers (approximately 1.5 microm thick), with a rough, mammilated outer layer. Ovoidal sporocysts are 11.6 x 8.6 (10-12 x 7-10) microm, with a Stieda body, substieda body and a sporocyst residuum.     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from insectivores: new species from shrew moles (Talpidae) in the United States

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 X 21.4 (23-27 X 18-23) micron. 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 X 10.0 (12-15 X 9-11) micron; 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 ovoid, 17.6 X 13.6 (16-20 X 11-16) micron; micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent, but a polar body was present. Ovoid sporocysts were 10.7 X 5.5 (9-12 X 5-6) micron; 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 X 25.5 (25-30 X 22-28) micron; micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar body were absent. Ovoid sporocysts, pointed at both ends, were 18.3 X 10.4 (16-20 X 9-11) micron; Stieda, sub-, and parastieda bodies were present as was a sporocyst residuum. This species was found in 2 of 18 (11%) hosts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

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.     

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.