Coccidian Parasites from Iowa Turtles: Systematics and Prevalence*

SYNOPSIS. A survey of 22 Western Painted Turtles (WPT), Chrysemys picta belli Gray; 2 Map Turtles (MT), Graptemys geographica Le Sueur; 8 False Map Turtles (FMT), Graptemys pseudogeographica Gray; 26 Illinois Mud Turtles (IMT), Kinosternon flavescens spooneri Smith; and 5 Spiny Softshell Turtles (SST), Trionyx spiniferus Le Sueur, revealed the presence of 10 species of coccidia. The species found, the shape and average length-width dimensions (in micrometers) of their oocysts, and the respective hosts from which they were isolated were as follows: Eimeria chrysemydis Deeds & Jahn, slightly pear-shaped (27.6 × 17.0), from 5 WPTs; Eimeria delagei marginata Deeds & Jahn, markedly pearshaped (22.1 × 17.6), from 2 WPTs, 1 MT, and 3 FMTs; Eimeria graptemydos sp. n., broadly ellipsoid to subspherical (12.6 × 11.4), from 10 WPTs, 2 MTs, and 5 FMTs; Eimeria lutotestudinis sp. n., broadly ellipsoid to subspherical (11.9 × 10.8), from 4 IMTs; Eimeria mascoutini sp. n., broadly ellipsoid to subspherical with outer surface of oocyst wall mammillated (14.0 × 11.9), from 2 SSTs; Eimeria mitraria (Laveran & Mesnil), asymmetrically ellipsoid, bearing 1 or 2 conical projections at the polar end and 2 or 3 at the antipolar end (10.0 × 7.6), from 7 WPTs, 1 MT, 3 FMTs, and 4 IMTs; Eimeria pseudogeographica sp. n., narrowly ellipsoid to slightly ovoid (19.5 × 13.5), from 5 WPTs and 3 FMTs; Eimeria tetradacrutata sp. n., spherical to subspherical with outer surface of oocyst wall mammillated (19.5 × 19.2), from 1 WPT; an Eimeria sp. narrowly ellipsoid, bearing 2 conical projections at the polar end and 2 at the antipolar end (23.8 × 13.2), from 1 MT; and Mantonella hammondi sp. n., conical to narrowly ellipsoid, bearing 1 conical projection at the polar end and 2 or 3 at the antipolar end (14.3 × 7.1), from 1 IMT. The overall infection rate for the 63 turtles examined was 54.0%.     

Systematics of the Eimerian Parasites from North American Snakes of the Family Colubridae,and their Prevalence in the Colubrids of Iowa*

A survey of 117 Iowa snakes, representing 18 species within 12 genera, revealed the presence of 6 species of Eimeria, 5 of which are described as new and 1 of which (E. zamenis) is redescribed. Those species found, the average length-width dimensions of their oocysts ( in micrometers ), and the respective hosts from which they were isolated were as follows: E. attenuata sp. n., 22.2 × 12.6, from 1 of 25 red-sided garter snakes [Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis (Say)] and 1 of 14 northern water snakes [Natrix sipedon sipedon (Linnaeus)]; E. iowaensis sp. n., 17.8 × 14.5, from 1 of 25 redsided garter snakes; E. hydrophis sp. n., 15.4 × 10.9, from 5 of 14 northern water snakes and 1 of 1 diamond-backed water snake [N. rhombifera rhombifera (Hallowell)]; E. helmisophis sp. n., 13.8 × 10.6, from 1 of 5 western worm snakes [Carphophis amoenus vermis (Kennicott)]; E. collanuli sp. n., 33.1 × 18.3, from 1 of 14 prairie ring-neck snakes (Diadophis punctatus arnyi Kennicott), and E. zamenis, 31.0 × 17.0, from 1 of 6 eastern yellow-bellied racers (Coluber constrictor flaviventris Say) and 1 of 1 eastern milk snake [Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum (Lacépède)]. The overall infection rate for the 117 snakes examined was 9.2%; these data are tabulated. In addition, the possible synonymy of E. lampropeltis with E. zamenis is considered, and the probable status of E. attenuata, E. hydrophis, E. zamenis, and E. annea, as parasites of multiple host species, is reviewed with regard to the phylogenetic relationships of the respective hosts from which they have been reported.     

Additional Notes on the Coccidian Parasites of the Soft-shell Turtle,Trionyx spiniferus Le Sueur,in Iowa,with a Description of Eimeria vesicostieda sp. n.*

SYNOPSIS Oocysts of Eimeria dericksoni Roudabush, Eimeria mascoutini Wacha & Christiansen, and Eimeria vesicostieda sp. n. were isolated from the Spiny Soft-shell Turtle, Trionyx spiniferus LeSueur, in Iowa. The sporulated oocysts of E. dericksoni are redescribed to include, for the first time, the dimensions of the sporocysts (6.0–8.5 × 3.0–5.0 μm) and the structural appearance of the Stieda body (thinly convex); the oocysts of E. vesicostieda are newly described as being thickwalled, narrowly ovoid to narrowly ellipsoid, measuring 22.0–25.5 × 16.5–20.5 μm. and having a polar granule, a sporocyst residuum, and a vesicle-like Stieda body; the oocysts of E. mascoutini are documented photographically.     

Seven New Eimeria spp. (Protozoa,Coccidia) from Freshwater Fishes of Canada*

Seven new species of Eimeria are described and figured from the freshwater fishes of Ontario and Quebec, Canada. They are Eimeria catostomi sp. n. and E. fernandoae sp. n. from Catostomus commersoni (Lacépède), E. etheostomae sp. n. from Etheostoma exile (Girard), E. hoffmani sp. n. from Umbra limi (Kirtland), E. micropteri sp. n. from Micropterus dolomieui Lacépède E. pungitii sp. n. from Pungitius pungitius (Linnaeus), and E. salvelini sp. n. from Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill). Furthermore, 2 new host records and 2 new distribution records for North America are reported for E. anguillae Léger & Hollande, 1922 and E. truttae Léger & Hesse, 1919 respectively. Finally, morphologically similar oocysts found in various cyprinids are regarded as belonging to E. iroquoina Molnar & Fernando, 1974.     

Structure, Cytochemistry, and Locomotion of Haemogregarina sp. from Rana berlandieri

Intra- and extracellular gametocytes of Haemogregarina sp. from Rana berlandieri were studied by light and electron microscopy. Locomotion in free gametocytes appears to be related to series of horizontal “peristaltic” waves of constriction, passing from anterior to posterior along the body. Intracellular gametocytes lie within a vacuole in the erythrocyte cytoplasm. The pellicle of the parasite consists of a trilaminar plasmalemma and an inner electron dense layer, beneath which lies a ring of 80 microtubules. The inner dense layer becomes thickened and modified in the apical region, to form a cap-like structure. The gametocytes contain a prominent nucleus, several mitochondria, and many granular inclusions. One type of inclusion consists of elliptical, electron-dense, profeinaceous bodies scattered throughout the cytoplasm, while other inclusions are larger and electron-opaque, polysaccharide in nature, and occur predominantly in the pre- and post-nuclear regions. In the electron microscope, pronounced pellicular folds were observed in longitudinally sectioned extracellular gametocytes. These folds are thought to represent the waves of constriction seen in motile specimens by light microscopy. The mechanism of movement of the parasite is discussed and compared with that in haemosporidian ookinetes, as well as in gregarines.     

Two New Species of Eimeria from Colubrid Snakes in Iowa*

SYNOPSIS. Oocysts of Eimeria natricis sp. n. and Eimeria sipedon sp. n. were isolated from 2 Northern Water Snakes, Natrix sipedon sipedon (Linnaeus), in Iowa. Oocysts of E. natricis were elongate, slightly ovoid, averaging in size 32.3 × 17.5 μm; sporocysts averaged 15.7 × 8.2 μm. Oocysts of E. sipedon were broadly ovoid averaging in size 18.0 × 15.9 μm; sporocysts averaged 12.0 × 7.4 μm. In both species, sporocyst residua were present, but micropyles, polar granules and oocyst residua were lacking.     

Eimeria filamentifera sp. n. from the Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina (Linné), in Iowa

SYNOPSIS. Oocysts of Eimeria filamentifera sp. n. were isolated from 2 of 2 snapping turtles, Chelydra serpentina (Linné), in Iowa. The ovoid to ellipsoid oocysts of this species averaged 23.2 × 18.6 μm and had a length/width ratio ranging from 1.1 to 1.6. The ellipsoid sporocysts averaged 14.0 × 7.7 μm and had papillose, filament-bearing Stieda bodies. Oocyst and sporocyst residua were present, but micropyle and polar granule were not. This appears to be the 2nd species of Eimeria reported from snapping turtles, with E. chelydrae being the first.     

Four New Species of Eimeria and One of Tyzzeria from the Ceylon Jungle Fowl Gallus lafayettei*

One species of Tyzzeria and 4 new species of Eimeria are described from the Ceylon jungle fowl Gallus lafayettei. The sporulated oocysts of Tyzzeria galli sp. n. are 13.8 (12–15) μ m; of Eimeria lafayettei sp. n., 19.5 (19–21) X 14.2 (13.5–15) μ m; of Eimeria indentata sp. n., 30.3 (29.5–32) X 21.4 (20–22) μ m; of Eimeria symmetrica sp. n., 35 × 28.5 μ m, and of Eimeria dissanaikei sp. n., 21 (19–23) X 14 (12–16) μ m. E. indentata, E. symmetrica, and E. dissanaikei produced patent infections in domestic fowl but T. galli and E. lafayettei did not. This is the 1st record of the genus Tyzzeria from the order Galliformes.     

New Family,Genus, and Species of Microsporida (Protozoa: Microsporida) from the Tropical Fire Ant,Solenopsis geminata (Fabricius) (Insecta: Formicidae)*

SYNOPSIS. A new species of Microsporida, Burenella dimorpha sp. n., representing a new family, Burenellidae fam. n. and genus, is described on the basis of light- and electron-microscope observations. The family is characterized by 2 sequences of sporogony, each sequence having morphologically different sporonts and spores. The parasite infects the tropical fire ant, Solenopsis geminata (Fabricius), producing distinct pathologic manifestations (clearing of the cuticle and eye malformation) and death in the pupal stage of development. Transmission of the infection per os to healthy S. geminata, to the Southern fire ant, Solenopsis xyloni McCook, and to the red and black imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren and Solenopsis richteri Forel, is reported.     

Coccidian Parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) of Nerodia spp. (Serpentes: Colubridae), with a Description of a New Species of Eimeria

Eimeria conanli n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described from intestinal contents and feces of Nerodia erythrogaster transversa and N harteri harteri from northcentral Texas. Oocysts of the new species are ellipsoid in shape. 17.9 × 13.0(15–21 × 12–15) μm, with a smooth, thin, single-layered wall; shape index 1.4 (1.2–1.5). One to several (usually 2) polar granule(s) and an oocyst residuum are present, but a micropyie is absent. Sporocysts are elongate, 12.9 × 5.2 (13–15 × 5–6) -m, apparently without a true Stieda body structure. Each sporoeyst contains an ellipsoid residuum, 3.9 × 3.2 (3–6 × 2–4) μm, and elongate sporozoites, 11.4 × 2.5 (10–14 × 2–3) μm in situ, each with a spherical or subspherical anterior refractile body and spherical to ellipsoid posterior refractile body. In addition to the new species, oocysts of 4 previously described eimerians from colubrid snakes were found in these hosts.     

Eimeria diminuta sp. n. from the Ceylon Jungle Fowl,Callus lafayettei*

SYNOPSIS. Eimeria diminuta sp. n. is described from the Ceylon jungle fowl Gallus lafayettei. Its sporulated oocysts are 16.5 (16–17.5) × 14.5 (13.5 × 15.5) μm. The species produces patent infections in domestic fowl.     

Eimeria crotalviridis sp. n. from Prairie Rattlesnakes, Crotalus viridis viridis, in New Mexico with Data on Excystation of Sporozoites and Ultrastructure of the Oocyst Wall

SYNOPSIS Oocysts of Eimeria crotalviridis sp. n. are described from prairie rattlesnakes, Crotalus viridis viridis in New Mexico on the basis of light and electron microscopy and in vitro excystation of sporozoites. Sporulated oocysts of E. crotalviridis are elliptical, 26.4 × 22.3 (23–29 × 20–24) μm with ovoid sporocysts 11.7 × 8.1 (11–13 × 7–9) μm. A micropyle, micropyle cap and polar bodies are absent, but oocyst and sporocyst residua and Stieda and substieda bodies are present. Excysted sporozoites are 12.4 × 2.8 (11–13 × 2–3) μm and have 1 large posterior refractile body and a nucleus with a prominent nucleolus. Ultrastructurally, the oocyst wall has 2 layers, a thick, electron-dense, highly sculptured outer layer composed of a fine granular matrix and a thin, granular, osmiophilic inner layer, separated from the outer layer by at least one unit membrane. These layers are 441 (353–510) and 21.6 (19–29) nm thick, respectively. Within 15 min after exposure to a trypsin-sodium taurocholate fluid, sporozoites of E. crotalviridis excysted from 5-month-old sporocysts.     

Monocystid Gregarine Parasites of Nigerian Earthworms

SYNOPSIS Seven monocystid gregarine parasites including 6 new species are described from the perivisceral coelom and seminal vesicles of Nigerian earthworms, which have not been so far investigated for monocystid parasites. The new species are: Apolocystis iridodrilii sp. n. from Iridodrilus preussi and Iridodrilus roseus ; Apolocystis libyodrilii sp. n., Monocystis abegbei sp. n., Monocystis libyodrilii sp. n., and Zygocystis violacea sp. n. from Libyodrilus violaceus ; and Nematocystis bunmii sp. n. from Heliodrilus lagosensis. Apolocystis herculea (Bosanquet) was recorded from Libyodrilus violaceus.     

Isonema papillatum sp. n., a New Colorless Marine Flagellate: A Light- and Electronmicroscopic Study

SYNOPSIS. Isonema papillatum sp. n. is described from observations with the light and electron microscope. It has 2 short emergent subapical flagella without appendages, a specialized ingestion apparatus, and a nonrigid naked cell body capable of pronounced changes in shape similar to euglenoid movements. It lacks a stigma and flagellar swelling and does not form paramylon granules. The nucleolus persists throughout nuclear division.     

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.     

Eimeriidae of the Herbivorous Mole-Rat, Spalax ehrenbergi Nehring

SYNOPSIS. A survey of 41 herbivorous mole-rats, Spalax ehrenbergi Nehring, in Urfa, Adiyaman, and Maras provinces of Turkey revealed 7 new species of Eimeria in addition to previously described Eimeriidae. The shape, average dimensions (in μm) of their oocysts, and the numbers of hosts from which the new species were isolated were as follows: Eimeria urfensis sp. n., ellipsoidal (33 × 21), from 8 hosts; Eimeria adiyamanensis sp. n., ovoid to ellipsoidal (33 × 18), from 6 hosts; Eimeria haranica sp. n., elongate ovoid (37 × 20), from 22 rats; Eimeria marasensis sp. n., ellipsoidal (36 × 18), from 2 rats; Eimeria oytuni sp. n., pear-shaped (24 × 17), from 2 hosts; Eimeria celebii sp. n., ellipsoidal (16 × 9), from 1 rat; and Eimeria torosicum sp. n., spherical to subspherical (11 × 10), from 2 animals.     

Stentor tartari sp. n. from India

A species of Stenior isolated from freshwater ponds and tanks in and around Bangalore, India, showed striking differences from those that have been described so far. The ciliate is red in color and has 2 spherical macronuclei and 2 small micronuclei. On the basis of the nuclear apparatus and pigmentation of the body, it is believed to be a new species, named in honor of Professor Vance Tartar as Stentor tartari. n. sp.     

Sphaeromyxa maiyai sp. n. (Protozoa: Myxosporidea), Coelozoic Parasite of the Pacific Tomcod,Microgadus proxiimus*

SYNOPSIS. Sphaeromyxa maiyai sp. n. (Myxosporidea: Myxiidae) is described from the gall bladder of the Pacific tomcod Microgadus proximus Girard, from Newport, Oregon. The plasmodial stage is discoid averaging between 1 and 2 cm. The spore averages 27.6 × 5.6 μm in breadth, with pyriform polar capsules measuring 9.3 × 3.7 μm. Scanning electron microscopy reveals the presence of numerous longitudinal striations.     

Malaria Parasites of the “Borriguerro'’Lizard,Ameiva ameiva (Sauria: Teiidae) in Panama*

SYNOPSIS. The teiid lizard Ameiva ameiva praesignis in Panama is parasitized by 2 species of Plasmodium: P. cnemidophori Carini and P. diminutivum sp. n. The Panamanian strain of P. cnemidophori has thick macrogametocytes which are larger than the oval microgametocytes, and schizonts which contain 42–119 nuclei. P. diminutivum is characterized by round to oval gametocytes which are usually smaller than the host cell nucleus; fan-shaped schizonts with 4–6 nuclei; and prominently vacuolated young stages, with a thick band of chromatin along the periphery of the vacuole.     

Coccidia (Protozoa: Eimeridae) of the Herbivorous Mole-Rat, Spalax leucodon Nordmann

SYNOPSIS. A survey of 96 herbivorous mole-rats, Spalax leucodon Nordmann, in Lalahan district of Ankara, Turkey, revealed the presence of 6 new species of coccidia. The species found, the shape and average length-width dimensions (in micrometers) of their oocysts, and the numbers of animals from which they were isolated were as follow: Eimeria lalahanensis sp. n., subspherical to ellipsoidal (20.3 × 12.5), from 10; Eimeria tuzdili sp. n., spherical to subspherical with radially striated oocyst wall, (20.5 × 16.5), from 3; Eimeria spalacis sp. n., ellipsoidal to cylindrical (16.3 × 9.8), from 90; Eimeria elliptica sp. n., ellipsoidal (14.3 × 10.1), from 8; Eimeria turkmenica sp. n., ellipsoidal (11.3 × 8.9), from 1; Isospora anatolicum sp. n., spherical (7.6 × 5.1), from 1 animal. The overall infection rate for 96 examined herbivorous mole-rats was 100%.