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.     

Isospora dawadimiensis n. sp. (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) from the Jerboa (Jaculus jaculus) in Saudi Arabia

Isospora dawadimiensis n. sp. is described from the jerboa, Jaculus jaculus, from Dawadimi, Saudi Arabia. Sporulated oocysts of I. dawadimiensis n. sp. were ovoidal or nearly subspherical 22–26.5 times 20.5–22 μm (24.4 times 21.4 μm). Oocyst wall had one layer. Micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granule were absent. Sporocysts were ellipsoid 12–16.5 times 9–10.5 μm (14.6 times 9.9 μm). Sporocyst residuum was present. The sporocysts lack a Stieda body. Sporozoites 8–11 times 2–3 μm (10 times 2.6 μm) were sausage-shaped, slightly curved, and tapered at one end.     

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.     

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.     

Coccidia of Malaysian Mammals: New Host Records and Descriptions of Three New Species of Eimeria*

SYNOPSIS. In a survey of parasites of wild mammals of Malaysia 3 new species of Eimeria were found. Eimeria tupaiae sp. n. is described from the common tree shrew, Tupaia glis. Its ellipsoidal to spherical, 3-layered oocysts average 20 × 19 μm. A micropyle is absent; an oocyst residuum and polar granule are present. Ellipsoidal sporocysts average 11 × 7 μm. A sporocyst residuum and Stieda body are present. Eimeria ptilocerci sp. n. is described from the pen-tail tree shrew, Ptilocercus lowii. The ellipsoidal to spherical, 2-layered oocysts average 23 × 20 μm. A micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent; polar granules are present. The ellipsoidal sporocysts average 13 × 7 μm. A sporocyst residuum and Stieda body are present. Eimeria muuli sp. n. is described from the pencil-tailed tree mouse, Chiropodomys gliroides. The ellipsoidal single-layered oocysts average 25 × 19 μm. A micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent; a polar granule is present. The ellipsoidal sporocysts average 13 × 8 μm. A sporocyst residuum and Stieda body are present. In addition, new host records are reported as follows: E. miyairii Ohira from Whitehead's rat Rattus whiteheadi and the Malaysian wood rat, R. tiomanicus; E. separata Becker & Hall from Mueller's rat, R. muelleri, the chestnut rat, R. fulvescens, and the Malaysian wood rat, R. tiomanicus; E. nieschulzi Dieben from the red spiny rat, R. surifer and the chestnut rat, R. fulvescens; and E. callosciuri Colley from the grey-bellied squirrel, Callosciurus caniceps and the black-banded squirrel, C. nigrovittatus.     

Eimeria dalli sp. n. (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) from Dall Sheep Ovis dalli

Eimeria dalli sp. n. is described from fecal samples collected from Dall sheep, Ovis dalli, from the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. The oocysts are spherical or subspherical with mean dimensions of 43.7 × 37.4 μm. The outer oocyst wall is rough and irregular. No micropyle, micropylar cap or residuum was observed. Sporocysts were elongate ovoid with mean dimensions of 19.0 × 10.7 μm. Stieda bodies were not discernible.     

Eimeria cicaki sp. n. and Isospora thavari sp. n. from the House Lizard Gehyra mutilata Boulenger in Malaysia*

SYNOPSIS. Oocysts and endogenous stages of new species of Eimeria and Isospora from the house lizard, Gehyra mutilata, are described. The ellipsoid to subspherical 2-layered oocysts of E. cicaki averaged 24.0 × 21.0 μm. Polar granules are present. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. Ellipsoid sporocysts average 12.2 × 9.0 μm. A sporocyst residuum is present, but the Stieda body is absent. Endogenous stages are in epithelial cells of the small intestine. The subspherical single-layered oocysts of I. thavari average 23.8 × 22.8 μm. The polar granule is present; micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. Ellipsoid sporocysts average 12.8 × 9.4 μm. Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. There are endogenous stages in epithelial cells of the small intestine.     

Three New Species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Nerodia rhombifem (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Texas1

Three new species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) are described from the intestinal contents of Nerodia rhombifera (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Texas. Oocysts of Eimeria infirmus are irregular in shape, 11.6 (8.8–14.4) μm in diameter, with a smooth, thin wall that ruptures easily, releasing free sporocysts. A small polar granule is usually present, but a micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. Sporocysts are bean-shaped with one side flattened slightly, 9.1 times 5.0 (7.2–10.4 times 4.4–5.8) μm, with what may be a Stieda body consisting of a slight thickening of one end of the sporocyst. Each sporocyst contains a spherical or ellipsoid residuum and sporozoites, each with a single, posterior refractile body. Oocysts of Eimeria rhombifera are spherical or subspherical, 13.1 times 12.6 (12.0–14.4 times 11.2–14.4) μm, with a smooth, frail wall. A polar granule is present, but a micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. Sporocysts are ovoid, 8.8 times 5.5 (8.0–9.6 times 5.0–6.0) μm, each with a Stieda body. Each sporocyst contains a spherical or subspherical residuum and sporozoites, each with a single posterior refractile body. Oocysts of Eimeria tenuis are ellipsoidal in shape, 17.2 times 10.8 (15.2–20.8 times 9.6–12.0) μm, with a smooth, thin wall. A polar granule and oocyst residuum are present, but a micropyle is absent. Sporocysts are elongate, 13.2 times 4.9(11.2–15.2 times 4.4–5.6) μm, each with a Stieda body consisting of a thickening of the sporocyst wall. Each sporocyst contains a spherical or subspherical residuum and sporozoites with anterior and posterior refractile bodies.     

Eimeria tenggilingi sp. n. from the Scaly Anteater Manis javanica Desmarest in Malaysia*

SYNOPSIS. Eimeria tenggilingi is described from the pangolin or scaly anteater, Manis javanica, in Malaysia. The spheroid to subspheroid oocysts average 18.9 × 17.8 μm. The oocyst wall is composed of 3 layers, each ～ 0.6 μm thick. The 2 outer layers are striated and yellowish green. The inner layer is dark brown. One or 2 polar granules are present, but an oocyst residuum is absent. Ellipsoid sporocysts average 12.4 × 6.2 μm. A sporocyst residuum is present. This is the first Eimeria species reported from a host in the order Pholidota.     

Eimeria ladronensis n. sp. and E. albigulae (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Woodrat,Neotoma albigula (Rodentia: Cricetidae)1

Of 50 white-throated woodrats (Neotoma albigula) collected from Socorro Co., New Mexico, 21 (42%) had eimerian oocysts in their feces when examined. Of the 21 Neotoma found positive for Eimeria, 19 (90%) harbored a single eimerian species at time of examination. Eimeria albigulae Levine, Ivens & Kruidenier, 1957, was found in 18 (86%), and E. ladronensis n. sp. was found in five (24%) infected woodrats. Sporulated oocysts of E. ladronensis are ellipsoidal, 19–25 × 13–15 (21.4 ± 1.3 × 14.1 ± 1.1) μm, have a smooth wall and one or two polar granules, but lack a micropyle and an oocyst residuum. Sporocysts are tapered at one end, 7–10 × 6–7 (8.5 ± 0.7 × 6.5 ± 0.3) μm, and have a Stieda body and sporocyst residuum, but no substieda body. Prepatent periods for E. albigulae and E. ladronensis n. sp. are 5–6 and 8–9 days, respectively; patent periods are 7–18 and approximately 11 days, respectively.     

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.     

Eimeria lipura and E. landersi n. spp. (Protozoa,Eimeriidae) from the Long-tailed Porcupine Trichys lipura Günther, 1876 in Malaysia1

SYNOPSIS. Oocysts of 2 new species of Eimeria are described from the long-tailed porcupine Trichys lipura. The ovoid, 2-layered oocysts of E. lipura average 33.1 by 24.4 μ. A micropyle and polar granules are present; an oocyst residuum is absent. Ovoid sporocysts average 10.9 by 9.3 μ. A sporcyst residuum is present; Stieda body is absent. The subspherical, 3-layered oocyst of E. landersi averages 25.2 by 24.2 μ. An oocyst residuum is absent; a polar granule is present. Ovoid sporocysts average 11.7 by 7.9 μ. A sporcysts residuum is present; a Stieda body is absent.     

Four New Species of Isospora from the Small Tree Finch (Camarhynchus parvulus) from the Galapagos Islands1

ABSTRACT. 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 × 20.1 (20-23 × 18-23) μm, with no micropyle, residuum, or polar body. Sporocysts ovoidal, 14 × 9.5 (13-15 × 8-10) μm, 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 × 20.8 (20-24 × 19-23) μm. Sporocysts ovoidal, 15 × 9.7 (13-16 × 9-10) μm 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 × 24.2 (24-27 × 23-25) μm. Sporocysts piriform 15.4 × 11.5 (14-17 × 11-12) μm 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 × 21.1 (21-30 × 17-23) μm. Sporocysts piriform, 15 × 10 (14-15 × 9-11) μm 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.     

A New Species of Eimeria from the Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel, Spermophilus lateralis, in Northern Colorado

Oocysts of Eimeria morainensis n. sp. are described from the golden-mantled ground squirrel, Spermophilus lateralis. in Northern Colorado. The oocysts of E. morainensis are double-walled and subspherical, 20.3 × 19.8 (18.7–26.2 × 17.5–21.2) μm; and the sporocysts are ellipsoid, 12.1 × 6.9 (8.7–13.7 × 6.2–8.7) μm. Oocyst residuum and micropyle are absent, but a polar granule is present. Sporocyst residuum and Stieda body are present. Differences in oocyst characteristics provide the basis for recognition of this new species of Eimeria.     

Two new Eimeria species (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the yellow-crowned Amazon Amazona ochrocephala (Aves: Psittacidae) in Brazil

In this study, we describe 2 new species of Eimeria associated with the yellow-crowned Amazon Amazona ochrocephala. Eimeria amazonae n. sp. has bilayered, ellipsoidal, and smooth oocysts that measure 48.9 × 36.2 μm; the length/width ratio is 1.35. The micropyle and oocyst residuum are both absent, but the polar granule is present. Ovoidal sporocysts are 22.2 × 11.9 μm. Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies and sporocyst residuum are present. The 2 elongate sporozoites are curved and measure 18.1 × 3.4 μm; both have 2 refractile bodies. Eimeria ochrocephalae n. sp. has bilayered, ellipsoidal, and smooth oocysts that measure 43.8 × 27.7 μm; the length/width ratio is 1.58. The micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but the polar granule is present; ovoidal sporocysts are 20.6 × 10.1 μm. Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies and sporocyst residuum are present; 2 elongate and curved sporozoites are 15.8 × 3.4 μm, each of which has 2 refractile bodies.     

Eimeria kinsellai sp. n. (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) in a Marsh Rice Rat Oryzomys palustris from Florida*

SYNOPSIS. Eimeria kinsellai sp. n. is described from the marsh rice rat Oryzomys palustris from Florida. Its ellipsoidal oocysts were 23–31 by 15–19 μ (mean 26.7 by 16.9 μ). One to four polar granules were present but an oocyst residuum was absent. The sporocysts were 12–15 by 7–9 μ (mean 13.9 by 8.1 μ), and sporocyst residua were present.     

Eimeria clethrionomyis 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§

SYNOPSIS 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) × 14.9 (14.0–16.5) with elongate, ovoid sporocysts, 10.6 (9.5–12.0) × 6.1 (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 occyst residuum is absent. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria gallatii sp. n. are ellipsoidal, 27.7 (21–32) × 19.3 (17–24) with ovoid sporocysts, 13.5 (12–15) × 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) × 22.5(19.5–25.5) with ellipsoidal sporocysts, 13.4(10.5–15.0) × 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) × 10.6 (9.5–12.0) with elongate, ovoid sporocysts, 7.7 (7.0–8.5) × 4.2 (3.0–4.5). The oocyst wall is smooth, single-layered, with no micropyle. Polar granules, dark Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. There is no oocyst residuum.     

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.