Plasmodium kentropyxi n.sp. (Apicomplexa: Haemosporina: Plasmodiidae) and a Plasmodium tropiduri-like parasite in the lizard Kentropyx calcarata (Lacertilia: Teiidae) in north Brazil

Plasmodium kentropyxi n.sp. is described in the teiid lizard Kentropyx calcarata from north Brazil. Young asexual stages and gametocytes are at first polar in the erythrocyte but with elongation, move to a lateral position. Largest meronts seen contained from 30-40 nuclei and conspicuous greenish-black pigment granules located in a distinct vacuole. With growth the gametocytes eventually assume a smooth, curved cylindrical shape, with evenly rounded ends. Pigment is scattered or concentrated around a conspicuous vacuole which is slowly developed as the gametocytes mature. Mature male parasites measured 11.8 x 4.0 microns (9.6 x 4.2 - 13.2 x 3.6 microns), shape-index 2.9 (2.2 - 5.0), and females 13.5 x 4.5 microns (12.0 x 4.5 - 15.0 x 4.8 microns), shape-index 3.0 (2.2 - 3.8). Some larger meronts may slightly enlarge the erythrocyte, but most asexual stages and the mature gametocytes rarely do so. A second, P. tropiduri-like parasite encountered in K. calcarata possessed small rounded or fan-shaped meronts producing from 4-14 merozoites, and spherical to subspherical gametocytes of approximately 6.0 x 5.0 microns. The parasite was consistently polar in its position in the erythrocyte.     

Isospora ptyodactyli n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), a new coccidian parasite of the fan-footed gecko Ptyodactylus puiseuxi Boutan, 1893 (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Jordan

Faecal samples from 17 fan-footed geckoes Ptyodactylus puiseuxi Boutan were examined for coccidian parasites. Five geckoes (29%) were found to be passing oöcysts of the genus Isospora Schneider. Comparison with other members of the genus Isospora indicates that the coccidian found represents a new species. Sporulated oöcysts of I. ptyodactyli n. sp. are spherical or subspherical, 22.1 (19.0–24.0) × 21.2 (18.0–23.0) µm, with a shape-index (length/width) of 1.04; and a smooth and bilayered oöcyst wall, 1.0–1.5 µm thick. A micropyle, oöcyst residuum and polar granule are absent. The sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 12.2 (11.0–14.0) × 8.0 (7.5–9.0) µm, with a shape index of 1.5 (1.4–1.9). Stieda and substieda bodies are present, the Stieda body being knob-like and the substieda body spherical to subspherical. A sporocyst residuum is present and composed of numerous granules of different size scattered among the sporozoites. The sporozoites are vermiform, with a slightly granulated surface appearance, and are arranged head to tail within the sporocyst. Most oöcysts have still to sporulate when excreted; sporulation was completed within 12 h at 25 °C. Endogenous development occurs inside the nuclei of enterocytes in the small intestine.     

Isospora elmahalensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae), a parasite of the white-cheeked bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys) in Saudi Arabia

Isospora elmahalensis n. sp. is described from the Saudi Arabian bird, Pycnonotus leucogenys, from the Elmahala valley. Sporulated oocysts of I. elmahalensis were spherical or nearly subspherical, 19.5-22.5 X 18.5-20 (21.34 +/- 0.4 X 19.06 +/- 0.5) microns. Oocysts lacked a micropyle, residuum, and polar granule. Sporocysts were ovoid, 14-17.5 X 7-12 (16.08 +/- 1.05 X 9.9 +/- 1.55) microns, and had a Stieda body and sporocyst residuum, but lacked a substiedal body. Sporozoites were elongated with a clear globule at one end. The host bird belongs to the order Passeriformes.     

Ultrastructural aspects of Fallisia effusa (Haemosporina: Garniidae) in thrombocytes of the lizard Neusticurus bicarinatus (Reptilia: Teiidae)

The fine structure of the different stages of the Fallisia effusa (Haemosporina: Garniidae), infecting the thrombocytes of the semi-aquatic Amazonian lizard Neusticurus bicarinatus (Reptilia: Teiidae) is described. Gametocytes, meronts, and merozoites of Fallisia effusa were found within a parasitophorous vacuole (PV). Multiple infections of micro- and macrogametocytes were observed. A circumferential coil of microtubules was seen in the cytoplasm of the infected host cell and this microtubule array was pronounced in cells harboring gametocytes. A deep invagination of the inner membrane complex of gametocytes may be involved in nutrition. The non-pigmented parasites underwent both merogony and gametogony in thrombocytes of the peripheral blood. No infection of the erythrocytes was observed. These observations confirm that Fallisia effusa displays characteristic features distinguishing it from other members of the Haemosporidian families, and that it has the ability to modulate microtubule assembly.     

Capillostrongyloides arapaimae sp. n. (Nematoda: Capillariidae), a new intestinal parasite of the arapaima Arapaima gigas from the Brazilian Amazon

A new nematode species, Capillostrongyloides arapaimae sp. n., is described from the intestine and pyloric caeca of the arapaima, Arapaima gigas (Schinz), from the Mexiana Island, Amazon river delta, Brazil. It is characterized mainly by the length of the spicule (779-1,800 microm), the large size of the body (males and gravid females 9.39-21.25 and 13.54-27.70 mm long, respectively) and by the markedly broad caudal lateral lobes in the male. It is the third species of genus Capillostrongyloides reported to parasitize Neotropical freshwater fishes.     

Eimeria auratae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) infecting the lizard Mabuya aurata in Saudi Arabia

Eimeria auratae n. sp. was described from the gall bladder of the lizard Mabuya aurata collected at Al-Hofuf village, eastern region, Saudi Arabia. Morphology of sporulated as well as non-sporulated oocysts were studied. Sporulated oocysts were ellipsoidal 22-31.5x13.5-21.8 (27.7x18.5) microm with smooth brownish-yellow bilayered wall, 1.1 (0.9-1.3) microm. Micropyle, polar granule and oocyst residuum were absent. Sporocysts were ellipsoidal 10.5-12.8x7.5-9 (11.8x8.5) microm. Sporocyst residuum was present but Stieda body was absent. Sporozoites were crescent-shaped, blunt at one end and slightly tapered at the other. Eimeria species from Scincidae were compared.     

Sarcocystis neurona n. sp. (Protozoa: Apicomplexa), the etiologic agent of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis

Sarcocystis neuronan n. sp. is proposed for the apicomplexan taxon associated with myeloencephalitis in horses. Only asexual stages of this parasite presently are known, and they are found within neuronal cells and leukocytes of the brain and spinal cord. The parasite is located in the host cell cytoplasm, does not have a parasitophorous vacuole, and divides by endopolygeny. Schizonts are 5-35 microns x 5-20 microns and contain 4-40 merozoites arranged in a rosette around a prominent residual body. Merozoites are approximately 4 x 1 micron, have a central nucleus, and lack rhoptries. Schizonts and merozoites react with Sarcocystis cruzi antiserum but not with Caryospora bigenetica. Toxoplasma gondii, Hammondia hammondi, or Neospora caninum antisera in an immunohistochemical test.     

Mattesia bombi n. sp. (Neogregarinida: Ophrocystidae), a parasite of Bombus (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The fat bodies of queen, male, and worker bumble bees were found to harbor a parasite, Mattesia bombi n. sp. (Neogregarinida: Ophrocystidae). The life cycle of this protozoan includes micronuclear and macronuclear schizogonies, gametogony, and sporogony. Sporocysts are predominantly oval in shape and measured 27 × 5.4 μm when mature. The life cycle of the parasite is described and the mode of infection discussed.     

Sarcocystis canis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae), the etiologic agent of generalized coccidiosis in dogs

Sarcocystis canis n. sp. is proposed for the protozoon associated with encephalitis, hepatitis, and generalized coccidiosis in dogs. Only asexual stages are known in macrophages, neurons, dermal, and other cells of the body. The parasite is located free in the host cell cytoplasm without a parasitophorous vacuole; schizonts divide by endopolygeny. Schizonts are 5-25 x 4-20 microns and contain 6-40 merozoites. Merozoites are approximately 5-7 microns x 1 micron and do not contain rhoptries. The parasite is PAS-negative and reacts with Sarcocystis cruzi antiserum but not with Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, or Caryospora bigenetica antisera in an immunohistochemical test.     

Aggregata bathytherma sp. nov. (Apicomplexa:Aggregatidae), a new coccidian parasite associated with a deep-sea hydrothermal vent octopus

Aggregata bathytherma sp. nov. is described from the digestive tract of Vulcanoctopus hydrothermalis, a deep-sea octopus recently discovered associated with hydrothermal vents in the northeast Pacific Ocean. Oocysts typically are spherical in shape, sometimes irregular, 163 to 356 microm in length, and 219 to 313 microm in width. Each oocyst contains from 50 to over 200 sporocysts. Sporocysts measure 27 to 32 microm in longest diameter. The cyst wall is smooth and 1 microm thick. Each sporocyst typically contains 14 to 17 sporozoites, 49 microm in length. Histological lesions associated with the presence of A. bathytherma include rupture of the basal membrane and detachment of the epithelial cells. In heavily infected areas, most of the tissue of the host digestive tract is replaced by parasites. A. bathytherma is the first Aggregata species described from a host that lives in association with hydrothermal vents, and the third species of Aggregata from eastern North Pacific waters.     

Cucculanus bioccai n. sp. (nematoda: cucullanidae), parasite of Mugil cephalus L

Cucullanus bioccai n. sp. described from the intestine of Mugil cephalus caught in Lake Sabaudia (Latina, Italy) is compared with C. dodsworthi and C. mugili parasites of mullets. It differs from C. dodsworthi mainly for the position of the 1st pair of precloacal papillae, the position of vulva, the shape of gubernaculum, the measurements of eggs; from C. mugili for the number of papillae, the position of the 1st pair of precloacal papillae, the conformation of cloaca and the position of vulva.     

Anisoloboides joliveti n. g., n. sp. (Apicomplexa,Eugregarina, Gregarinidae), parasite of Brachyomus histrio Faust (Coleoptera,Curculionidae), with remarks on the other gregarines from the Curculionidae

The creation of a new genus of Eugregarina, Anisoloboides n. g., is proposed to accommodate the gregarines from the Curculionidae (Coleoptera) belonging to the subfamily Brachycerinae and the tribe Entimini and formerly described as Anisolobus (A. bulliardi, A. gymnopholi, A. desportis). A fourth species, A. joliveti n. sp. is described from another curculionid, Brachyomus histrio Faust, from Venezuela, and a list is presented of the other gregarines (Gregarina, Hirmocystis, Steinina) recorded from the Curculionidae.     

The life cycle of Brachylaima ruminae n. sp. (Trematoda: Brachylaimidae), a parasite of rodents

The life cycle of Brachylaima ruminae n.sp. (Trematoda: Brachylaimidae), a duodenal parasite of rodents on the Mediterranean island of Formentera (Spain) is elucidated. The new species follows a terrestrial triheteroxenous life cycle. Eggs passed in the faeces of the definitive host must be ingested by a specific first intermediate host, the land snail Rumina decollata. Branched cercariogenous sporocysts develop in the digestive gland. Microcercous cercariae come out through the terminal birth pores of the branches. Cercariae shed by the snail are terrestrial, crawling on humid substratum. They contact the second intermediate host, another land snail, principally the species R. decollata and less frequently slugs and Helicids. Cercariae enter via the excretory pore and kidney duct to their specific final location, the kidney. Unencysted metacercariae develop in the kidney (also, less frequently, in the pedal glands) to the mature, infective stage. Infective metacercariae infest the definitive host when ingested together with the snail.