Isospora similisi recovered from a new host, Saltator aurantiirostris, with supplementary molecular data and notes on its taxonomy and distribution in the Neotropical region.

This article reports on a golden-billed saltator Saltator aurantiirostris Vieillot, 1817, kept in captivity outside its natural distribution area, in the proximities of the Itatiaia National Park, as a new host for Isospora similisi Coelho, Berto, Neves, Oliveira, Flausino & Lopes, 2013. Additionally, a supplementary molecular identification is provided through the sequencing of three non-overlapping loci of mitochondrial DNA and one locus of the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S) gene. All the taxonomic features of the I. similisi oocysts shed by S. aurantiirostris were equivalent to those originally described from Saltator similis d'Orbigny & Lafresnaye, 1837. The new sequenced loci were identical, or showed 99.9% similarity, to the samples of I. similisi from S. similis and S. aurantiirostris, confirming the same species from both hosts. Lastly, I. similisi is estimated as a junior synonym of Isospora formarum McQuistion & Capparella, 1992, due to the morphological similarities and wide distribution of its hosts in the Neotropical region. Therefore, this study encourages future taxonomic inquiries into I. similisi collected from other Saltator spp. in order to establish this synonymization of I. formarum with I. similisi, and hence, its wide distribution and dispersion in the Neotropical region, including across the Andes mountains.

Isospora pichororei n. sp. (Chromista: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from rufous-capped spinetails Synallaxis ruficapilla Vieillot, 1819 (Passeriformes: Furnariidae: Synallaxiinae) in South America.

Spinetails are a suboscine passerines of the genus Synallaxis Vieillot, 1818 which have great interest for ornithology, given the wide diversity of 37 species that are distributed throughout the Neotropical region. Despite this wide diversity and distribution, Synallaxis spp. have never been recorded as hosts of coccidian parasites. In this context, the current study describes a new species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 from rufous-capped spinetails Synallaxis ruficapilla Vieillot, 1819 captured in the Itatiaia National Park, which is a federal conservation unit in Southeastern Brazil. The oocysts of Isospora pichororei Genovez-Oliveira & Berto n. sp. are subspheroidal to ovoidal, measuring on average 25 by 21 µm. Micropyle is present, but discrete. Oocyst residuum absent, but one or two polar granules are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal with slightly pointed posterior end, measuring on average 17 by 10 µm. Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies are present. Sporocyst residuum is clustered among the vermiform sporozoites, which have striations, refractile bodies and nucleus. This morphology was different from the other Isospora spp. recorded in the host family Furnariidae. Molecular identification was targeted by the amplification and sequencing of a locus of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. This sequence had the highest similarity of 99.5% with a sequence deposited for Isospora oliveirai Ortúzar-Ferreira & Berto, 2020, which is a coccidian species that parasitizes suboscine tityrids Schiffornis virescens (Lafresnaye, 1838), also in the Itatiaia National Park. Phylogenetic analysis grouped some species in subclades, including I. pichororei with I. oliveirai; however, it was inconclusive in an expectation of parasite-host coevolution. Finally, I. pichororei is established as new to science, being the first description from Synallaxinae and the third description from Furnariidae. Furthermore, this is the first Isospora sp. from the host family Furnariidae to have a molecular supplementation by sequencing a locus of the cox1 gene of the mitochondrial genome.

Remarks on Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Kobus spp. (Bovidae: Reduncini), with supplementary morphological data of Eimeria congolensis Ricci-Bitti et al., 1973 from a new host subspecies, the common waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus ellipsiprymnus (Ogilbyi, 1833).

Reduncin bovids of Kobus spp. (Bovidae: Reduncini) are natively distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, although some populations have been introduced into parks and zoos around the world. The majority of the species has declining populations, being categorized as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources; therefore, protective measures for the conservation of Kobus spp. are necessary, including the study of their parasites, such as the eimeriid coccidians (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). In this context, the aim of the current study was to brings together the taxonomic data from the descriptions and reports of Eimeria spp. from reduncin bovids, based on the detailed morphological identification of Eimeria congolensis Ricci-Bitti, Pampiglione & Kabala, 1973 from a new host subspecies, the common waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus ellipsiprymnus (Ogilbyi, 1833), in a safari park of Portugal. Five Eimeria spp. are recorded from reduncin bovids, in addition to six more reports identified generically as Eimeria sp., which were compared and taxonomically rearranged. The oocysts identified as E. congolensis in the current study were compatible with the original description and were supplemented for some taxonomic characters not originally included, such as: Stieda body flattened to nipplelike, sub-Stieda body rounded to trapezoidal, sporocyst residuum granular and membrane-bound, in addition to greater details of the micropyle, among others. Finally, the current study highlights the importance of studying the coccidians of reduncin bovids for the conservation of Kobus spp. due to the possibility of these Eimeria spp. are extra-intestinal parasites, which can potentially cause severe coccidiosis associated with increased morbidity and mortality in certain threatened populations of Kobus spp.

Protozoan parasites of birds from the Tremembé formation (Oligocene of the Taubaté Basin), São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the presence of protozoan parasites in bird coprolites from the Tremembé Formation (Oligocene of the Taubaté Basin). MATERIALS: Twenty avian coprolites embedded in pyrobituminous shale matrices. METHODS: Samples were rehydrated and subjected to spontaneous sedimentation. RESULTS: Paleoparasitological analyses revealed oocysts compatible with the Eimeriidae family (Apicomplexa) and one single Archamoebae (Amoebozoa) cyst. CONCLUSIONS: The present work increases the amount of information about the spread of infections throughout the Cenozoic Era and reveals that the Brazilian paleoavifauna played an important role in the Apicomplexa and Amoebozoa life cycles. SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first record of protozoans in avian coprolites from the Oligocene of Brazil. These findings can help in the interpretation of phylogenies of coccidian parasites of modern birds, as certain taxonomic characters observed in the Oligocene Protozoa characterize monophyletic groups in current molecular phylogenetic analyses. LIMITATIONS: None of the oocysts were sporulated; therefore, it is not possible to identify the morphotypes to genus or species. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: Our results create new perspectives related to biogeographic studies of the parasitic groups described and may improve the understanding of the temporal amplitude of parasitic evolutionary relationships between Protozoans and birds.

Isospora juruviarae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from chivi vireos Vireo chivi (Vieillot, 1817) (Passeriformes: Vireonidae) in South America.

Chivi vireos Vireo chivi (Vieillot, 1817) are passerine birds widely distributed throughout Brazil, but mainly observed in the Atlantic Forest of the South and Southeast regions of the country. In this context, the current study identifies a new species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 from V. chivi captured in the Marambaia Island, on the coast of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil. The oocysts of Isospora juruviarae Andrade & Berto n. sp. are subspheroidal to ovoidal, measuring on average 26 by 24 µm. Micropyle is absent or inconspicuous. Oocyst residuum absent, but polar granules are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal with pointed posterior end, measuring on average 17 by × 11 µm. Stieda and Sub-Stieda bodies are present. Sporocyst residuum is present among the vermiform sporozoites, which have refractile bodies and nucleus. This morphology was different from the other Isospora spp. recorded in the same family, superfamily and parvorder as the host. Molecular identification was targeted by the amplification and sequencing of two different loci of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene and one locus of the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S) gene. Phylogenetic analyses were not very efficient in forming monophyletic groups associated with host taxon, zoogeographical region or taxonomic character; however, they confirmed the identification as a new species through comparison with sequences from Isospora spp. of wild passerines. Finally, based on the morphological and molecular analyses of the oocysts recovered from the chivi vireo V. chivi in the current work, I. juruviarae is considered new to science, being the second species recorded in the host family Vireonidae and the first to have a supplementation by molecular identification.

On the validity and distribution of Myxobolus curemae Vieira, Agostinho, Negrelli, Silva, Azevedo and Abdallah, 2022 (Myxozoa: Bivalvulida) from a new record on the coast of southeastern Brazil.

Myxobolus spp. are parasites of wide diversity and distribution in fish, both in the natural environment and in freshwater or marine farming systems around the world and are sometimes associated with severe disease in their hosts (Schmahl et al. 1989; Lom and Dyková, 1995; Eiras et al. 2021). The white mullet Mugil curema Valenciennes, 1836 is a pelagic fish of the Mugilidae family widely distributed in the Atlantic Ocean (Froese & Pauly 2022). Recently, Myxobolus curemae Vieira, Agostinho, Negrelli, Silva, Azevedo and Abdallah, 2022 was described from white mullets Mugil curema Valenciennes, 1836 in Brazil (Vieira et al. 2022). In the current work, Myxobolus sp. was identified with the same biological and morphological characteristic features of M. curemae from white mullets from the Jacarepaguá Lagoon Complex in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in addition to being 100% identical for a genic region of the nuclear small subunit ribosomal DNA. However, this Myxobolus sp. was also similar to Myxobolus hani Faye, Kpatcha, Diebakate, Fall and Toguebaye, 1999, which was described from white mullets in Senegal, Africa, without molecular identification (Faye et al. 1999). Therefore, this current work makes observations on these Myxobolus spp. which are morphologically and biologically similar, and that could establish M. curemae as a junior synonymy of M. hani.

Integrative taxonomy for the traditional coccidians (Chromista: Miozoa: Eimeriidae) from island canaries (Aves: Passeriformes: Fringillidae): Worldwide distribution, morphological and molecular characterization, revaluations and establishment of junior synonyms.

Island canaries Serinus canaria (Linnaeus) are finches native to the North Atlantic Islands, however, they have a worldwide distribution in captivity due to their relevance as a pet bird. Coccidians are the most reported parasites of passerines worldwide, both in the wild and in captivity, being frequently associated with disease in passerines kept in rehabilitation centers and commercial breeders. This study aimed to identify coccidians from island canaries kept in captivity in Brazil. Three hundred and fifteen genomic DNA extracted from fecal samples of island canaries from different breeders from Southern and Southeastern Brazil were used to perform a nested PCR assay to amplify a partial fragment of the 28S small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (28S) of Isospora spp. Microscopic screening and morphological identification of Isospora oocysts was performed in fecal samples corresponding to PCR positive DNA samples. Fecal samples have been formalin-stored for approximately four years. Positivity rate for both microscopy and PCR was 10.5% (33/315). Posteriorly, Isospora serini (Aragão, 1933) Box, 1975 and Isospora canaria Box, 1975 were morphologically identified from fresh fecal samples of island canaries maintained by a breeder in the State of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, providing a genotypic characterization via sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and 28S genes. The 28S and COI sequences referring to the morphological identification of I. canaria was, respectively, 100% and 99% similar to sequences deposited as Isospora serinuse Yang, Brice, Elliot & Ryan, 2015 from island canaries kept in a rehabilitation center in Australia. The COI sequence referring to the morphological identification of I. serini was 100% similar to a sequence of an extraintestinal Isospora, corroborating this identification/sequencing since I. serini is the first isosporan with an extra-intestinal cycle demonstrated. The comparison of morphological and molecular data from I. canaria and I. serini from this study with published data of Isospora spp. from canaries worldwide, allowed the specific identification from preliminary generic identifications, correction of misidentifications, as well as the establishment of junior synonyms. Finally, this study provides morphological and molecular data that ensure the correct identification of the two Isospora spp. from island canaries in future studies worldwide.

Worldwide Dispersion of Coccidia from Migratory Birds: First Report of Eimeria bazi Chauhan et Bhatia, 1970 (Eimeriidae) Outside Asia from Buff-Necked Ibises Theristicus caudatus (Boddaert, 1783) (Threskiornithidae) in South America.

BACKGROUND: Eimeria spp. are coccidian protozoan parasites of domestic and wild animals. Pelecaniform birds are hosts of some Eimeria spp., however, from the family Threskiornithidae only one eimerian species is recorded, Eimeria bazi Chauhan et Bhatia, 1970 which was described from red-naped ibises Pseudibis papillosa (Temminck, 1824) in India. In this study, in turn, this species is morphologically and molecularly identified from buff-necked ibises Theristicus caudatus (Boddaert, 1783) in Brazil. PURPOSE: This study aimed to report E. bazi from buff-necked ibises T. caudatus in southeastern Brazil, revealing the worldwide distribution of this coccidian species, in addition to providing preliminary genotypic identification via sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene. METHODS: A total of 73 fecal samples were collected from a flock of buff-necked ibises, which remained on the campus of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro-UFRRJ) from March 2019 to August 2020. Fecal samples were processed by the Sheather's method to recover oocysts. The morphological and morphometrical studies of the oocysts were performed using an optical microscope and graphic editing software. Molecular analysis was performed by sequencing of the COI gene, and the phylogenetic analysis was based in the neighbor-joining and maximum likelihood estimates. RESULTS: Forty-five fecal samples were positive for oocysts identified as E. bazi. This oocysts are ovoidal, 26.2 × 18.9 µm, with smooth to slightly rough wall, c.1.7 µm thick. Micropyle robust and protruding, sometimes with a polar body attached. Oocyst residuum absent, but one or two small polar granules are present. Sporocysts ovoidal to lemon-shaped, 14.2 × 8.7 µm. The Stieda body is knob-like to rounded and sub-Stieda body is absent or vestigial. Sporocyst residuum is composed of granules often membrane-bound. Sporozoites are vermiform, with refractile bodies. This morphology was consistent with the original description of E. bazi from P. papillosa in India. Molecular analysis at the COI gene exhibited low similarity with coccidians sequenced for the same genic region deposited in GenBank, sitting E. bazi separately on the cladogram. CONCLUSIONS: The morphological and molecular studies support the identification of E. bazi from T. caudatus in South America, thus revealing the wide distribution of this eimerian species in the world provided by migratory birds and/or with intercontinental distribution.

Isospora leptopogoni n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the sepia-capped flycatcher Leptopogon amaurocephalus Tschudi, 1846 (Passeriformes: Rhynchocyclidae) in South America.

Coccidian protozoan species recorded from flycatchers are few, but they have been described with a certain frequency in recent years. In this context, the present study describes a new Isospora sp. from sepia-capped flycatchers Leptopogon amaurocephalus Tschudi, 1846 captured in the Itatiaia National Park and in a reforestation area which is about 60 km away from the park boundaries, in addition to providing a molecular identification via sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene. Isospora leptopogoni n. sp. has oöcysts that are subspheroidal to ovoidal, measuring on average 22.0 × 19.7 µm, with a smooth, bi-layered wall, c.1.7 µm thick. The micropyle is delicate or inconspicuous. Oöcyst residuum is absent, but one to three polar granules are present. Sporocysts are lemon-shaped, measuring on average 14.7 × 9.3 µm, with a knob-like Stieda body and a rectangular to rounded sub-Stieda body. Sporocyst residuum is present, consisting of compactly bounded granules. Sporozoites are vermiform, with refractile bodies and nucleus. Isospora leptopogoni is different from other Isospora spp. mainly due to its lemon-shaped sporocysts, the presence of micropyle and details of Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies. Phylogenetic analysis placed I. leptopogoni close to other Isospora spp. recorded from phylogenetically related hosts and from the same biogeographic region. Finally, the recurrent finding of this coccidian species in the same L. amaurocephalus specimen in a specific locality in the Itatiaia National Park suggests that the dispersion of I. leptopogoni needs continuous transmissions between susceptible passerines as the area of movement of each L. amaurocephalus specimen appears to be quite small.

Isospora spp. (Eimeriidae) from green-winged saltators Saltator similis d'Orbigny & Lafresnaye, 1837 (Thraupidae) from captivity near the Conservation Unit of the Itatiaia National Park in Southeastern Brazil.

The present study identifies three Isospora spp. recorded from faecal samples of green-winged saltators Saltator similis d'Orbigny & Lafresnaye kept in captivity in the surroundings of the Itatiaia National Park, which is a Conservation Unit with a high degree of vulnerability located in the Serra da Mantiqueira on the border of the States of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. Isospora saltatori Berto, Balthazar, Flausino & Lopes, 2008, Isospora trincaferri Berto, Balthazar, Flausino & Lopes, 2008 and Isospora similisi Coelho, Berto, Neves, Oliveira, Flausino & Lopes, 2013 were compatible in all characteristic features with their respective original descriptions, despite some divergences that are discussed in this study. In addition to the preliminary morphological identification, this study provided a preliminary genotypic identification of these three Isospora spp. via sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene, which was suitable for the genotypic differentiation of these three coccidians, but was inconclusive in the phylogenetic analysis. Finally, this study discusses the environmental risks of these coccidians in captivity of green-winged saltators in the surroundings of the Itatiaia National Park.

Observations on an Eimeria sp. (Apicomplexa) from the green kingfisher Chloroceryle americana (Gmelin, 1788) (Coraciiformes) in Southeastern Brazil: an example of how the ecological aspects of the host can be essential for the identification of its coccidians.

Parasitism in kingfishers is very little reported and predominantly related to hemoparasites, helminths, and ectoparasites. The present study provided a morphological and genotypic study of an Eimeria sp. recovered from a green kingfisher Chloroceryle americana (Gmelin, 1788) captured in the Marambaia Island, on the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil. The coccidial density, some morphological aspects of its oocysts, the molecular results, and, mainly, the ecological niche of C. americana in the mangrove of the Marambaia Island suggest that this coccidian species is a pseudoparasite.

Redescription and molecular identification of Isospora feroxis Berto, Luz, Flausino, Ferreira & Lopes, 2009 (Eimeriidae) from tyrant-flycatchers (Tyrannoidea) in South America.

In the present study Isospora feroxis Berto, Luz, Flausino, Ferreira & Lopes, 2009 is redescribed from the photosyntypes and from new samples from a short-crested flycatcher Myiarchus ferox (Gmelin), which is the type-host in the type-locality, the Marambaia Island in Southeastern Brazil. In addition, the yellow-olive flycatcher Tolmomyias sulphurescens Spix is recorded as a new host for this species, in a new locality, the Itatiaia National Park, in the interior of Southeastern Brazil, providing a preliminary genotypic characterization via sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene. Micropyle and rough oöcyst wall are added to the description of I. feroxis, in addition to other details. This is the sixth species identified from suboscine birds (Tyranni) to have a COI gene sequence deposited in GenBank and, although it is not yet possible to make conclusions on the phylogeny of Isospora spp. from Passeriformes by the COI gene, the molecular analysis confirmed the differences between coccidian species from tyrant-flycatchers.

Polymorphism and genetic diversity of Isospora parnaitatiaiensis Silva, Rodrigues, Lopes, Berto, Luz, Ferreira & Lopes, 2015 (Eimeriidae) from antbirds (Thamnophilidae) in Brazil.

Isospora parnaitatiaiensis Silva, Rodrigues, Lopes, Berto, Luz, Ferreira & Lopes, 2015 was identified from a new host, the plain antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis (Temminck), and also from the white-shouldered fire-eye Pyriglena leucoptera Vieillot, in its type-locality, the Itatiaia National Park in the southeastern Brazil, and a preliminary genotypic characterisation by sequencing the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene is provided. The oöcysts recovered from P. leucoptera and D. mentalis were polymorphic and have genotypic differences that were not considered sufficient for the description of new species, but only different genotypes and morphotypes of I. parnaitatiaiensis related to each host. These morphological and molecular variations were associated with a process of ongoing speciation and in adaptive development to their respective host species.

First report of Myxobolus episquamalis Egusa, Maeno & Sorimachi, 1990 (Myxozoa: Bivalvulida) in Lebranche mullet Mugil liza Valenciennes, 1836 (Teleostei: Mugiliformes) from Neotropical region.

In the current study, Myxobolus episquamalis Egusa, Maeno & Sorimachi, 1990 (Myxozoa: Bivalvulida) is reported from the Lebranche mullet Mugil liza Valenciennes, 1836 in the estuarine region of the Maricá Lagoon, State of the Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. To date, this myxozoan species was reported in mullets from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. The characteristics of M. episquamalis previously reported are similar to the findings of the present study. DNA sequences of the nuclear small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) had 99.7-100% similarity with the sequences of M. episquamalis from North Africa and Asia. Therefore, strong morphological and molecular similarities ensure the identification of M. episquamalis in the current study. Finally, this finding records a new host and locality, revealing the worldwide distribution of this myxozoan species.

Isospora oliveirai n. sp. (Chromista: Miozoa: Eimeriidae) from the Greenish Schiffornis Schiffornis virescens (Lafresnaye, 1838) (Passeriformes: Tyranni: Tityridae) in South America.

BACKGROUND: Coccidia are obligatory intracellular parasites with at least one intestinal phase in their life cycles, being Isospora Schneider, 1881 the main coccidian genus related to the order Passeriformes. However, there is no record of isosporans from the passerine family Tityridae, which is the family of the greenish schiffornis Schiffornis virescens (Lafresnaye, 1838). PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the faeces from a greenish schiffornis S. virescens captured in the Itatiaia National Park, State of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil, to determine what coccidian parasites were present. METHODS: Only one specimen of Schiffornis virescens was captured with mist nets. Coccidian oocysts were recovered from the fecal samples by flotation in Sheather's saturated solution. Morphological observations, line drawings, photomicrographs and measurements were made in optical microscopy and digitally edited. The molecular analysis included the study of the sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene, with phylogenetic reconstructions based on the Neighbor-Joining and Maximum Likelihood analysis. RESULTS: An Isospora sp. considered as new to science is described and identified from Schiffornis virescens (Lafresnaye, 1838). Isospora oliveirai n. sp. has oocysts that are subspheroidal, 26.0 × 24.8 µm, with rough, bilayered wall, c.2.5 µm thick. Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent, but one to six polar granules are present. Sporocysts lemon-shaped, 18.1 × 10.9 µm. The Stieda body is knob-like to half-moon-shaped and sub-Stieda is rounded. Sporocyst residuum is present, composed of scattered spherules of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform, with refractile bodies and nucleus. Molecular analysis at the COI gene exhibited similarity of 97% with Isospora serinuse Yang, Brice, Elliot et Ryan, 2015 from island canaries Serinus canaria (Linnaeus, 1758), and Isospora spp. from great tits Parus major (Linnaeus, 1758) and European robins Erithacus rubecula (Linnaeus, 1758). CONCLUSION: Based on the morphological and molecular features, I. oliveirai is considered as new to science and the first coccidian species recorded from Tityridae.

Morphological and molecular identification of Isospora massardi Lopes, Berto, Luz, Galvão, Ferreira & Lopes, 2014 (Chromista: Miozoa: Eimeriidae) from thrushes Turdus spp. (Passeriformes: Turdidae) in South America.

In the current work, Isospora massardi Lopes, Berto, Luz, Galvão, Ferreira & Lopes, [10] is identified from white-necked thrushes Turdus albicollis Vieillot, 1818, rufous-bellied thrushes Turdus rufiventris Vieillot, 1818 and from a new host, the yellow-legged thrush Turdus flavipes (Vieillot, 1818) in a new locality, the Itatiaia National Park, in Southeastern Brazil, providing a preliminary genotypic characterization via sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA genes. The oocysts and sporocysts of I. massardi of the current study are morphologically similar to the original description and are uniform in the proportionality of width on length, but exhibited different patterns of size associated with each host species. Furthermore, a genotypic difference of 3% was found in the COI sequences from T. flavipes and T. albicollis. Therefore, an ecological discussion is introduced aimed at associating these morphometric and genotypic differences with an ongoing speciation process.

Isospora borbai n. sp. (Chromista: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from gnateaters Conopophaga spp. (Passeriformes: Tyranni: Conopophagidae) in South America.

BACKGROUND: The gnateaters Conopophaga spp. are insectivorous passerines commonly observed in high and humid forests, where they remain lodged in thin branches and, sometimes, they fly to the ground to catch insects. The insectivorous feeding habit is related to low prevalence and density of coccidians in passerines; however, several coccidian species are recorded for families of insectivorous passerines. PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the feces from gnateaters Conopophaga spp. captured in the municipality of Barra Mansa and in the Itatiaia National Park, State of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil, to determine what coccidian parasites were present. METHODS: Nine gnateaters were captured with mist nets. Coccidian oocysts were recovered from the fecal samples by flotation in Sheather's saturated solution. Morphological observations, line drawings, photomicrographs and measurements were made in optical microscopy and digitally edited. The molecular analysis included the study of the sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene, with phylogenetic reconstructions based on the neighbor-joining and maximum likelihood analysis. RESULTS: Four Conopophaga spp. were positive for oocysts. An Isospora sp. considered as new to science is described and identified from Conopophaga melanops (Vieillot, 1818) and Conopophaga lineata (Wied, 1831). Isospora borbai n. sp. has oocysts that are subspheroidal, 17-22 × 15-22 (20.2 × 19.1) µm, with rough, bilayered wall, c.1.7 µm thick. Micropyle present, but without micropyle cap. Oocyst residuum absent, but one or two polar granules are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 12-15 × 8-11 (14.1 × 9.1) µm. The Stieda body is knob-like to half-moon-shaped and sub-Stieda body is rounded. Sporocyst residuum is present, composed of scattered spherules of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform with refractile body and nucleus. Molecular analysis at the cox1 gene exhibited similarity greater than 99% with Isospora spp. isolates from other Neotropical passerine birds. CONCLUSION: Based on the morphological and molecular features, I. borbai is considered as new to science and the first coccidian species recorded from Conopophagidae.

Hemoparasites in ticks of wild birds of Serra dos Órgãos National Park, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The aim of this study is to detect the presence of tick-borne agents of genera Rickettsia, Borrelia, Babesia, Ehrlichia and Anaplasma in ticks collected from native wild birds in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Birds were captured and observed carefully to find the ectoparasites. DNA detection of hemoparasites was performed by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The sequences obtained were analyzed and their homologies were compared to the available isolates in the GenBank platform database. A total of 33 birds were captured from 20 different species, of which 14 were parasitized by Amblyomma longirostre (n = 22). There was absence of DNA from agents of the genera Babesia, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia in the evaluated samples. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that one sample had 100% identity with Rickettsia bellii (KJ534309), the other two samples showed 100% identity with Rickettsia sp. Aranha strain and strain AL (EU274654 and AY360216). The positive sample for R. bellii was also demonstrated to be positive for Borrelia sp., which presented a similarity of 91% with Borrelia turcica (KF422815). This is the first description of Borrelia sp. in ticks of the genus Amblyomma in South America.

Coccidian parasites from birds at rehabilitation centers in Portugal, with notes on Avispora bubonis in Old World.

Portugal has some rehabilitation centers for wild animals, which are responsible for the rehabilitation and reintroduction of birds, among other animals, into the wild. Coccidian parasites of these wild birds in rehabilitation centers are especially important because these centers can introduce coccidian species into new environments through the reintroduction of their respective hosts. In this context, the current study aimed to identify intestinal coccidia from wild birds at two rehabilitation centers for wild animals located in two municipalities of Portugal. Eighty-nine wild birds of 9 orders and 11 families were sampled, of which 22 (25%) were positive for Coccidia. Avispora spp. were found in raptors. Sporocysts of Sarcocystinae subfamily were recovered from owls. An Isospora sp. was found in Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758, and an Eimeria sp. was found in Fulica atra Linnaeus, 1758. Among the coccidian species, Avispora bubonis (Cawthorn, Stockdale, 1981) can be highlighted. The finding of this species indicates that transmission of coccidians from the New World to the Old World may be occurring, potentially through dispersion by Bubo scandiacus (Linnaeus, 1758) through Arctic regions or by means of anthropic activities, and/or through other unknown mechanisms.