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.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Isospora amphiboluri (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), a coccidian parasite, in a central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) (De Vis, 1884) in Australia.

An Isospora species, Isospora amphiboluri, originally described by Canon in 1967 and later by McAllister et al. (1995), was isolated from a central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) housed at a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Perth, Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora amphiboluri (n = 30) are spherical, 24.2 (26.5-23.0) µm in length and 23.9 (22.4-25.9) µm in width, with a shape index of 1.01. The bilayered oocyst wall is smooth and light-yellow in color. Polar granule, oocyst residuum and micropyle are absent. The sporocysts are lemon-shaped, 15.7 (15.2-18.0) × 10.2 (8.9-11.2) µm, with a shape index (length/width) of 1.53. Stieda and substieda bodies are present, the Stieda body being small and hemidome-shaped and the substieda half-moon-shaped. Each sporocyst contains four vermiform sporozoites arranged head to tail. The sporozoites are 11.7 (9.9-16.2) × 3.0 (2.4-3.5) µm, with a shape index (length/width) of 3.87. A sporocyst residuum is present. Sporozoites contain a central nucleus with a finely distributed granular residuum. Comparison of oocyst measurements and their features with other valid Isospora species from hosts in the Agamid family confirmed that this Isospora species is Isospora amphiboluri. Molecular characterization of I. amphiboluri at the 18S rRNA and MTCOI loci showed the highest similarity with I. amphiboluri from the central bearded dragon, 99.8% and 99.7% respectively. This is the first report of I. amphiboluri from a central netted dragon in Australia.

Morphological and molecular description of a new species of Isospora (Apicomplexa) from a New Holland honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae).

A new Isospora species is described from New Holland honeyeaters (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae). Sporulated oocysts (n = 25) were characterised as subspheroidal, 29-32 × 28-31 (29.8 × 29.4); length/width (L/W) ratio 1.01-1.02 (1.01). Wall bi-layered, 1.3-1.6 (1.5) thick, outer layer smooth, c.2/3 of total thickness. Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent, but usually two polar granules are present. Sporocysts (n = 25) ovoidal, 18-19 × 12-14 (18.4 × 12.3); L/W ratio 1.42-1.53 (1.50). Stieda body present, flattened, c.0.5 deep × 2.5 wide; sub-Stieda present, rounded, c.2.5 deep × 3.5 wide; para-Stieda body absent; sporocyst residuum present, usually a distinctly irregular body consisting of numerous small granules that appear to be membrane-bound. Sporozoites vermiform, with robust anterior and posterior refractile bodies. Molecular characterization was conducted at the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial (mt) cytochrome oxidase (COI) loci. Phylogenetic analysis of genomic 18S and mt COI sequences indicated that Isospora phylidonyrisae n. sp. was genetically similar to Isospora coronoideae, isolated from an Australian raven (Corvus coronoides) in Western Australia, with a 99.3% and 98.4% homology, respectively. The 28S rRNA sequence was most similar to Isospora anthochaerae (KF766053) and Isospora manorinae (KT224381), both with a 98.2% genetic similarity. Based on morphological and genetic data, this isolate is a new species of Isospora, which is named Isospora phylidonyrisae n. sp. after its host.

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.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Cystoisospora laidlawi oocysts (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in farmed American mink (Neovison vison) in Denmark.

From a longitudinal survey conducted on 30 Danish mink farms in 2016, 11.0% of faecal samples (456/4140) were positive for Cystoisospora laidlawi oocysts by microscopy, with 60% (189/315) of mink being positive at least once during the study period. Morphological analysis of sporulated oocysts identified Cystoisospora oocysts measuring 34.3 × 29.5 µm with an oocyst length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.2. The morphological features of the oocysts were identical to Isospora laidlawi previously morphological identified in farmed mink from Denmark and elsewhere. Phylogenetic analysis of 18S rDNA sequences (1221 bp) from three positive mink indicated that Cystoisospora from mink shared the highest genetic similarity to C. canis from a Canadian dog (99.6%). The phylogenetic analysis placed Cystoisospora from mink in a clade with other Cystoisospora isolates.

Isospora dipperia n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the American dipper Cinclus mexicanus Swainson (Passeriformes: Cinclidae) in Yosemite National Park, USA.

Isospora dipperia n. sp. is described from the feces of the American dipper Cinclus mexicanus Swainson collected in Yosemite National Park, California, USA. Sporulated oöcysts of the new species are subespherical, 20-24 × 17-21 (20.9 × 18.7) µm, with a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.0-1.1 (1.1); one polar granule is present, but micropyle is absent. Sporocyts are lemon-shaped, 14-16 × 8-11 (15.5 × 9.8) µm, with a L/W ratio of 1.6; prominent Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies are both present, but para-Stieda body is absent. Sporocyst residuum of many scattered granules is present and the sporozoites have prominent anterior and posterior refractile bodies. The mean dimensions (15.9 × 13.8 µm) of unsporulated oöcysts of I. cincli Gottschalk, 1972 from the white-throated dipper C. cinclus (L.) in Europe, appear to be considerably smaller than those in I. dipperia n. sp. Comparisons of Isospora dipperia n. sp. with two species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 described in the Americas from birds of the family Sturnidae, related to Cinclidae, revealed that the mean dimensions of the sporulated oöcysts in the new species are considerably smaller than those in I. graculai Bhatia, Chauhan, Arora & Agrawal, 1973 from Gracula religiosa (24.6 × 22.4 µm) and I. rothschildi Upton, Wilson, Norton & Greiner, 2001 from Leucopsar rothschildi (22.3 × 21.6 µm). The new species is the first species of Isospora recorded in a bird of the family Cinclidae in the New World.

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 toxostomai n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the curved-billed thrasher Toxostoma curvirostre (Swainson) (Passeriformes: Mimidae) at the Central highlands of Mexico.

Isospora toxostomai n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described based on material from the curved-billed thrasher Toxostoma curvirostre (Swainson) in the Central Highlands of Mexico. The new species possesses subspherical oöcysts, with a smooth, bi-layered wall. Sporulated oöcysts measure 22-25 × 21-24 (23.4 × 22.3) µm; length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.0-1.1 (1.1). Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 15-17 × 10-11 (15.8 × 10.5); L/W ratio of 1.3-1.6 (1.5). Micropyle and oöcyst residuum are both absent, and a polar granule present (many fibrils). Mean dimensions of both sporulated oöcysts and sporocysts of I. toxostomai n. sp. appear to be considerably larger than those of Isospora mimusi Coelho, Berto, Neves, Oliveira Flausino & Lopes, 2011 from the tropical mockingbird Mimus gilvus (Vieilot) in Brazil. This is the second species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 infecting a host of the Mimidae in the Americas.

Isospora phainopepla n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Phainopepla nitens (Swainson) (Passeriformes: Ptiliogonatidae) in the Joshua Tree National Park, USA.

Isospora phainopepla n. sp. is described from the faeces of Phainopepla nitens (Swainson) collected in Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA. To our knowledge, there are no metazoan or protist parasites described yet from any species in the Ptiliogonatidae of the Americas. Sporulated oöcysts of the isosporan are ellipsoidal, 30-35 × 22-29 (32.9 × 25.4) µm, with a length/width (L/W) ratio 1.20-1.35 (1.30); one rice-shaped polar granule is present, but both oöcyst residuum and micropyle are absent. Sporocyts are elongate-ellipsoidal, 22-27 × 11-14 (23.9 × 12.0) µm, with L/W ratio 1.97-2.02 (2.00); prominent Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies are both present, but para-Stieda body is absent. Sporocyst residuum of many scattered granules is present and the sporozoites have prominent anterior and posterior refractile bodies. This parasite is clearly new to science and represents the first species of Isospora hosted by a New World bird species from this small family of silky flycatchers (Ptiliogonatidae). This article was registered in the Official Register of Zoological Nomenclature (ZooBank) as 7F664B0D-DF0E-4CAD-8CEA-45D79C8BBF92. This article was published as an Online First article on the online publication date shown on this page. The article should be cited by using the doi number. This is the Version of Record.

[Dynamic Abundance of Oocysts in the Mezam Watershed in Bamenda (Northwest Region, Cameroon)]. / Dynamique d'abondance des charges oocystiques dans le bassin versant du Mezam à Bamenda (région du Nord-Ouest, Cameroun).

In order to evaluate the abundance of oocysts in the Mezam watershed in Bamenda, Northwest Region of Cameroon, a study was carried out from January to June 2017. Samples were collected monthly from 13 stations within the watershed. The direct concentration method and the Ziehl-Neelsen technique were employed in the identification of these parasites. The physicochemical analysis showed that the water samples had a neutral pH (7.46±0.46), lowly mineralized (165.61±110.02µS/cm), moderately oxygenated (60.64 ± 17, 25%), present moderate organic pollution (2.85±2.49mg/l KMnO4). KMnO4) and low levels of orthophosphate (1.8±1.88 mg/l PO43-) and nitrates (2.47±5.06 mg/l NO3-). Biological analysis revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. (143.98±203.35 oocysts/l), Isospora belli (88.47 ± 123.19 oocysts/l), Cyclospora cayetanensis (141.31±143.19 oocysts/l) and Sarcocystis hominis (76 ± 111.04 oocysts/l). The highest densities of these parasites were recorded at the Mufueh stream, situated in the periurban area. Meanwhile, the lowest densities were found in the urban area (Formuki, Mankon, Ayaba and Mezam streams). The dry season showed higher densities of oocysts (471.42±216.32 oocysts /l). Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation (P ≤ 0.05) between the density of the organisms and the physico-chemical parameters such as pH, oxidability, dissolved oxygen and nitrates. Respecting basic hygienic rules as well as treating water before use would reduce the risk of contamination of the population.

Dans le but d'évaluer l'abondance des oocystes des sporozoaires dans le bassin versant du Mezam à Bamenda dans la région du Nord-Ouest du Cameroun, une étude a été menée de janvier à juin 2017. Des échantillonnages ont été effectués sur 13 stations de ces eaux, suivant une fréquence mensuelle de prélèvement. Les oocystes ont été identifiés à l'aide de la méthode directe de concentration et de la technique de Ziehl-Neelsen. Les analyses physico-chimiques montrent que les eaux ont un pH neutre (7,46 ± 0,46), sont faiblement minéralisées (165,61 ± 110,02 µS/cm), moyennement oxygénées (60,64 ± 17, 25 %), ont une pollution organique modérée (2,85 ± 2,49 mg/l de KMnO4) et des faibles teneurs en orthophosphates (1,8 ± 1,88 mg/l de PO43-) et en nitrates (2,47 ± 5,06 mg/l de NO3-). Les analyses biologiques révèlent la présence de Cryptosporidium spp. (143,98 ± 203,35 oocystes/l), de Isospora belli (88,47 ± 123,19 oocystes/l), de Cyclospora cayetanensis (141,31 ± 143,19 oocystes/l) et de Sarcocystis hominis (57,76 ± 111,04 oocystes/l). Les plus fortes densités de ces oocystes sont enregistrées en saison sèche (471,42 ± 216,32 oocystes/l). Les analyses statistiques montrent des corrélations significatives (P ≤ 0,05) entre la densité de ces oocystes et les paramètres physico-chimiques tels que le pH, l'oxydabilité, l'oxygène dissous et les ions nitrates. Le respect des règles d'hygiènes élémentaires et le traitement des eaux avant tout usage réduiraient les risques de contamination de la population.

Isospora svecica sp. n. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), a new species of coccidium from the white-spotted bluethroat Luscinia svecica cyanecula (Aves: Passeriformes: Muscicapidae).

Using a combination of morphological and molecular data, we describe a new apicomplexan parasite, Isospora svecica sp. n., from the white-spotted bluethroat, Luscinia svecica cyanecula, from the Czech Republic. Oocysts were found in its intestinal tract. Sporulation was exogenous and took 1-3 days. The oocysts were slightly ellipsoidal, of average size 26.17 × 20.33 µm, with a smooth bilayered wall. Micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granules were absent. Sporocysts were bottle-shaped, of an average size of 18.82 × 8.82 µm, with a thin, colourless wall. A conspicuous knob-like Stieda body was present. Substieda body was barely visible. Sporocyst residuum was present in the form of granules of various sizes. Sporozoites were banana-shaped and contained large anterior and small posterior refractile bodies. Partial DNA sequences of three genes were obtained from oocysts of Isospora svecica sp. n., being most closely related to other isosporans described from passerines. Little is known about the parasites of the avian family Muscicapidae, including coccidia, a highly prevalent parasitic protist group in all vertebrate classes. Only six species of the genus Isospora have so far been described in Muscicapidae, together with several "Isospora sp." that in fact most likely represent Isospora lacazei. The newly described Isospora svecica sp. n. differs morphologically from other coccidia reported from muscicapid birds, and represents the first coccidian species described from Luscinia svecica.

The vulnerable Sporophila frontalis (Verreaux) and Haplospiza unicolor Cabanis as new hosts for Isospora sporophilae Carvalho-Filho, Meireles, Ribeiro & Lopes, 2005 (Eimeriidae) in Brazil.

Isospora sporophilae Carvalho-Filho, Meireles, Ribeiro & Lopes, 2005 was morphologically and molecularly identified from the double-collared seedeater Sporophila frontalis (Verreaux), which is categorised as 'vulnerable' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), and from the uniform finch Haplospiza unicolor Cabanis in conserved and anthropomorphic/fragmented areas of Atlantic Forest in the southeastern Brazil. The oöcysts recovered from S. frontalis and H. unicolor had small morphological and genotypic differences that were not considered sufficient for the description of new species, but only different genotypes of I. sporophilae related to each host. This coccidian species was originally described from double-collared seedeaters Sporophila caerulescens (Vieillot) in a center screening of wild animals; therefore, this new report emphasises a potential occurrence of anthropomorphic dispersion of coccidia through illegal trade, seizures and reintroductions in the wild.

Isosporan Oocysts in the Faeces of Bank Voles (Myodes glareolus; Arvicolinae, Rodentia): Real Parasites, or Pseudoparasites?

Coccidia of the genus Isospora, their origin, taxonomy, and host specificity have been discussed for many years. The crucial point in question being the division of the genus, based on distinct evolutionary history and the presence/absence of the Stieda body, into the genera Isospora (Eimeriidae) parasitizing mainly birds and reptiles, and Cystoisospora (Sarcocystidae) parasitizing mammals. The description of the majority of Isospora species from rodents is based solely on the oocysts found in their faeces. Some of them have been described with the presence of the Stieda body, some without it, and, simultaneously, for all the described species the molecular data are entirely lacking. This study reveals the origin of isosporan oocysts found in faeces of bank voles based on morphological analyses, phylogenetic analyses, and experimental infections. Morphological analyses showed the presence of the Stieda body complex on sporocysts. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated close phylogenetic relationships between Isospora from bank voles and avian isosporans. Experimental inoculations of bank voles with sporulated oocysts of Isospora did not result in the production of unsporulated oocysts. Hence, these organisms should be considered pseudoparasites of the bank voles/rodents (probably originating from avian Isospora species).

Detection and molecular status of Isospora sp. from the domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica).

The domestic pigeon, Columba livia domestica, is reared for meat production, as a pet, or for racing. Few reports have characterized the parasitic protists from the genus Isospora isolated from Columbiformes. We detected Isospora-like oocysts from C. livia reared for racing. The oocyst contained two sporocysts, and each sporocyst included four sporozoites. The sporulated oocysts (n=4) were spherical; their mean diameters were 25.6 (24.0-27.2)×24.7 (23.4-26.0) µm. Micropyles, polar granules, and oocyst residuum were absent. The mean length and width of the sporocysts (n=8) were 19.5 (18.5-20.5) and 11.2 (10.2-12.1) µm, respectively. Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies were observed. Single-oocyst PCR revealed two different 18S rRNA gene sequences and one 28S rRNA gene sequence in a single oocyst of Isospora sp. Based on a phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA gene, the two sequences made a group which fell within a cluster of known avian Isospora species. A tree based on the 28S rRNA gene sequence indicated that sequences from the pigeon Isospora sp. fell within a cluster of avian Isospora species. Both trees failed to clarify the phylogenetic relationships among the avian Isospora species due to limited resolution. Because the morphological description of Isospora sp. is based on only four oocysts, Isospora sp. is not proposed as a novel species here. This is the first description of Isospora sp. isolated from the domestic pigeon C. livia.

Some remarks on the distribution and dispersion of Coccidia from icterid birds in South America: Isospora guaxi n. sp. and Isospora bellicosa Upton, Stamper & Whitaker, 1995 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the red-rumped cacique Cacicus haemorrhous (L.) (Passeriformes: Icteridae) in southeastern Brazil.

A new species of coccidian, Isospora guaxi n. sp., and Isospora bellicosa Upton, Stamper & Whitaker, 1995 (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) are recorded from red-rumped caciques Cacicus haemorrhous (L.) in the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, Brazil. Isospora guaxi n. sp. has sub-spheroidal oöcysts, measuring on average 30.9 × 29.0 µm, with smooth, bi-layered wall c.1.9 µm thick. Micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent, but a polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, measuring on average 19.3 × 13.8 µm. Stieda body is knob-like and sub-Stieda body is prominent and compartmentalized. Sporocyst residuum is composed of scattered granules. Sporozoites are vermiform, with one refractile body and a nucleus. Isospora bellicosa has sub-spheroidal to ovoidal oöcysts, measuring on average 27.1 × 25.0 µm, with smooth, bi-layered wall c.1.5 µm thick. Micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent, but one or two polar granules are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, measuring on average 18.1 × 10.9 µm. Stieda body is knob-like and sub-Stieda body is rounded to rectangular. Sporocyst residuum is composed of a cluster of compact or diffuse granules. Sporozoites are vermiform, with one refractile body and a nucleus. Isospora bellicosa was originally described from the Peruvian meadowlark Sturnella bellicosa deFilippi, a trans-Andean icterid which is allopatric with the cis-Andean C. haemorrhous. Therefore, in conclusion, this current study reveals the dispersion of coccidia from Icteridae across the Andes Mountains, besides describing the sixth isosporoid coccidium infecting an icterid bird.

Isospora lunaris n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the domestic Java sparrow in Japan.

Five individuals of the domestic Java sparrows, Lonchura oryzivora (Aves: Estrildidae), were examined for coccidian parasites. Sporulated oocysts had two sporocysts containing four sporozoites each. Sporulated oocysts (n=30) were spherical, with a two splinter-like polar granules. Oocyst size was 22.1×20.7 (20.0-25.0×20.0-22.5)µm. They had a thick wall that consisted of a pale yellow outer layer and a dark yellow inner layer, and lacked micropyle and residuum. Sporocysts (n=60) were elongated ovoid 14.1×9.8 (12.5-15.0×7.5-10.0)µm, smooth walled, and colorless, with crescent-shaped Stieda and indistinct substieda bodies. Sporocyst residuum was interspersed between sporozoites. Sporozoites were oriented transverse to the sporocyst longitudinal axis. On the basis of morphological data, the species isolated in the present study is a new species of Isospora and propose the name Isospora lunaris n. sp.

Isospora cardellinae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the red warbler Cardellina rubra (Swainson) (Passeriformes: Parulidae) in Mexico.

A new coccidian species (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) collected from the red warbler Cardellina rubra (Swainson) is reported from the Nevado de Toluca National Park, Mexico. Isospora cardellinae n. sp. has subspherical oöcysts, measuring on average 26.6 × 25.4 µm, with smooth, bi-layered wall, c.1.3 µm thick. Micropyle, oöcyst residuum, and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are ovoidal, measuring on average 19.0 × 12.0 µm, with a knob-like Stieda body, a trapezoidal sub-Stieda body and sporocyst residuum composed of scattered spherules of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform with one refractile body and a nucleus. This is the fourth description of an isosporoid coccidian infecting a New World warbler.

A new isosporoid coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae)from the southern house wren Troglodytes musculus Naumann, 1823 (Passeriformes: Troglodytidae) from Brazil.

A new isosporoid coccidian species (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is reported from the southern house wren Troglodytes musculus, a very well distributed species in South and Central America. Isospora corruirae sp. nov. oocysts are subspherical to ovoidal, 24.1 × 21.4 µm, with smooth, bilayered wall. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but small spherules and splinter-like granules are frequently present. Sporocysts are ovoidal to piriform, 14.0 × 9.5 µm. Stieda body is prominent knob-like and substieda body is delicate. Sporocyst residuum is composed of scattered fragments of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform with posterior refractile bodies, anterior striations and a nucleus. This is the second description of an isosporoid coccidium infecting a New World wren.

A new coccidian (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), from midland brown snake, Storeria dekayi wrightorum Trapido (Ophidia: Colubridae) from Arkansas, USA.

A new species of coccidian (Protista: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) collected from the faeces of a midland brown snake Storeria dekayi wrightorum Trapido (Ophidia: Colubridae) in Arkansas, USA, is described. Oöcysts of Isospora holbrooki n. sp. are subspherical to ovoidal with a smooth, colourless, bi-layered wall, measure on average 27.1 × 24.0 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.1; both micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent, but a polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 14.8 × 10.0 µm on average (L/W 1.5); the Stieda body is nipple-like, the sub-Stieda body is ellipsoidal and the sporocyst residuum is composed of coarse granules in a cluster. Sporozoites have a spheroidal anterior refractile body, a subspheroidal posterior refractile body, and one centrally-located nucleus. This is the first description of an isosporan from the snake genus Storeria Baird & Girard as well as the largest oöcysts and sporocysts of any previous snake isosporan to date.