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%.     

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.     

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 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.     

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.     

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.     

Coccidian Parasites of Intertidal Fishes from Wales: Systematics, Development, and Cytochemistry

SYNOPSIS. Examination of littoral fish Blennius pholis and Cottus bubalis caught at Aberystwyth and Porth Cwyfan, Wales. U.K., revealed 2 species of coccidia.
Eimeria dingleyi sp. n. Oocysts spherical (16.1–19.2) to subspherical (13.9–14.2 × 18.8–20.0) μm, with thin walls; sporulation outside the host to produce ellipsoid sporocysts; endogenous phases in epithelial cells throughout intestine; 26 of 58 B. pholis infected.
Eimeria variabilis (Thélohan) Reichenow. Oocysts spherical (11.9–14.6) to subspherical (9.2–10.9 × 13.9–14.3) μm; sporulation in lining of pyloric ceca and rectum; previously unrecorded schizonts and gametocytes present; 21 of 25 C. bubalis infected.
Electron microscopy revealed that the oocyst wall of E. variabilis consists of a thin membrane whereas the sporocyst wall is thick and 3-layered. Typical oocyst wall-forming bodies were absent from the macrogamete. Cytochemical tests on the endogenous stages of E. dingleyi and E. variabilis indicated that in general they resembled other coccidia in their chemical constitution.     

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.     

Eimeria indianensis sp. n. and an Isospora sp. from the Opossum Didelphis virginiana (Kerr)*

Two of 15 road-killed opossums examined for coccidia were found to be infected with a hitherto undescribed species of Eimeria, herein named Eimeria indianensis . The oocysts were spherical (63%) or slightly subspherical (37%) with a double-layered wall. The outer layer was ～1.5 μm thick, yellowish, striated, and appeared rough and pitted on the surface. A micropyle was absent. The spherical oocysts were 16.3 (13–18) μm in diameter; the subspherical ones, 17.6 (15–18) × 16.4 (14–17) μm. The sporocysts measured 9.1 (8–10) × 6.2 (6–7) μm and contained a granular residuum. The sporozoites were elongate, measuring 13.4 (13–15) × 1.8 (1.6-2.0) μm; no refractile globules were seen. The prepatent period was 10 days and the patent period ranged from 9–15 days. A few oocysts of an Isospora sp. were present in one opossum. It was not possible to confirm whether they were specifically of the opossum or of spurious origin.     

On the Taxonomic Status of the Family Pfeifferinellidae (Coccidia), with a Description of Pfeifferinella gugleri sp. n.

SYNOPSIS. Pfeifferinella gugleri sp. n. was found in the liver of each of 2 land snails, Triodopsis albolabris (Say), in Iowa. The stages found, their average length × width dimensions (in μm), and their principal features were as follows: oocysts (21 × 14.5) ovoid, with micropyle and oocyst residuum; meronts (20 × 15) with 24–32 merozoites: microgametocytes (15 × 11.5) with many small microgametes; macrogametes (20 × 10.5) with 1–5 nucleoli and 1–2 wall-forming bodies, but without a "vaginal [fertilization] tube." This tube, originally described by Léger & Hollande, 1912, from Pfeifferinella impudica , has since been considered a principal taxonomic feature of the family Pfeifferinellidae. In the absence of this structure, the taxonomic status of this monogeneric family is reexamined with the recommendation that the family be retained as distinct, but redefined to exclude the "vaginal tube" as a valid characteristic. The discovery of P. gugleri brings to 3 the number of pfeifferinellids reported, the other 2 being P. impudica Léger & Hollande, 1912, and P. ellipsoides Wasielewski, 1904, all from gastropods.     

Attempted Cross-Transmission of Coccidia Between Sheep and Goats and Description of Eimeria ovinoidalis sp. n.

SYNOPSIS.
Attempted infection of 2 young lambs with oocysts of Eimeria christenseni from a goat was unsuccessful. Negative results were obtained also when young kids were fed oocysts of Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae from sheep. There was no difficulty in infecting lambs with the sheep coccidium resembling E. ninakohlyakimovae nor goats with the goat coccidium E. christenseni. Oocysts from the goat measured 38.4 × 26.7 m, but were easily distinguished from Eimeria ahsata from the sheep by sporocyst size and shape, and from Eimeria ovina by oocyst size. Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae -like oocysts from sheep averaged 23.0 ×18.2 m and were morphologically indistinguishable from previously reported goat coccidia.
Since no cross infections of sheep and goats could be accomplished with oocysts of Eimeria sp. characteristic of one or the other host, I concluded that sheep coccidia previously known as E. ninakohlyakimovae are distinct from morphologically similar goat coccidia and therefore constitute a separate species. Since the name E. ninakohlyakimovae was first used for coccidia from the goat, the sheep coccidium is renamed Eimeria ovinoidalis with oocyst structure and endogenous stages similar to those previously described from the sheep.     

Eimeria malabaricas sp. n. and Eimeria bandipurensis from the South Indian Tree Squirrel,Funambulus tristriatus*

Synopsis. Oocysts of Eimeria malabaricas sp. n. and Eimeria bandipurensis from the South Indian tree squirrel Funambulus tristriatus collected in Kerala, India, are described. Sporulated oocysts of E. malabaricas were ellipsoid to subspherical measuring 39.8 (35–45) × 32.1 (29–37) m?m, with a thick (2.5–3.0 m?m), 2-layered wall. The outer layer was yellow-brown, striated, and rough. There was no micropyle. but a polar granule was present in 34% of oocysts. The sporocysts were ovoid, 16.0 (14.0–18.0) × 11.2 (11.0–12.0) m?m, with a Stieda body and a granular residuum. Excysted sporozoites were 21.8 (19.0–23.0) × 3.4 (3.0–4.0) m?m, with a large refractile body. The sporulated oocysts of E. bandipurensis are redescribed.     

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.     

Etude Ultrastructurale du CiliéKuklikophrya dragescoi gen. n., sp. n.*

SYNOPSIS The cortical infraciliature of Kuklikophrya dragescoi gen. n., sp. n. is composed of double kinetosomes. Each kinetosome has transverse fibers. The anterior transverse fibers are associated with a sheet of dense material and the posterior transverse fibers are directed toward the posterior part of the body. The posterior kinetosome of a pair has only a short protuberance in the position of the kinetosomal fiber. The cortex has a well developed alveolar layer and a thick ecto-endoplasmic boundary. A distinctive characteristic of the buccal ciliature is the circumoral ciliature whose infraciliature is made up of pairs of cilia-bearing kinetosomes. The antero-posterior polarity of the paroral segment is in inverse relationship to that of the remaining ciliature of the organism. The adoral and preoral ciliary organelles consist of 2 rows of kinetosomes, each of which bears postciliary fibers. A frame of nematodesmata surrounds the cytopharynx which is supported by microtubular bands which impart to it a very specific laminated appearance. The “phagoplasm” is formed by “vermicelli”-like vesicles. The micronucleus is found in the perinuclear area of the macronucleus.     

Haemogregarina pseudemydis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Haemogregarinidae) and Pirhemocyton chelonarum n. sp. in Turtles from Louisiana*

SYNOPSIS. The blood of each of 95 turtles (8 species) collected from southeastern Louisiana was infected with some or all of the merogonic stages and gametocyte stage of Haemogregarina pseudemydis n. sp. Five species of turtles harbored Pirhemocyton chelonarum n. sp. Turtle Haemogregarina and Pirhemocyton are locality records for Louisiana. Pirhemocyton is reported for the first time in turtles and in the continental U.S.A.     

Colpoda spiralis sp. n., a Colpodid Ciliate Found Inhabiting Treeholes (Colpodida,Ciliophora)*

SYNOPSIS A new species of the family Colpodidae, genus Colpoda O. F. Müller, Colpoda spiralis sp. n. is described. This organism has been found only in treehole fluid. Its species status is based on the possession of a unique and prominent preoral protuberance, multimicronuclearity, and the preference for a treehole habitat. Its range is known to include the tri-state area of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, and the mixed-deciduous forests of Maryland. This species prefers treehole fluids with a pH > 7 and is naturally limited to tree species which possess these alkaline treeholes. It encysts as a treehole dries and excysts when the treehole is again filled by fluids from the tree, or rainwater.     

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.     

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.     

Eimeria taterae sp. n. and other Intestinal Parasites from the Antelope Rat, Tatera indica in Baghdad District

SYNOPSIS. Of 8 fecal specimens from the antelope rat, Tatera indica Hardwicke examined, 4 were found positive for intestinal parasites. Among these was Eimeria taterae sp. n., sporulated oocysts of which are described, their characteristics serving for the diagnosis of this species. Entamoeba coli cysts, as well as ova of Hymenolepis sp. and Trichuris sp., were also found.