Parasites in a hotspot: diversity and specificity patterns of apicomplexans infecting reptiles from the Socotra Archipelago.

Although parasites represent a major component of biodiversity, they remain poorly assessed, especially in remote regions. In this study, we screened 461 reptiles from Socotra, the largest and most biologically diverse archipelago in Arabia. Using 18S rRNA primers, we detected various apicomplexan parasites, namely haemogregarines, sarcocystids and eimeriids. Haemogregarines were the most common and genetically diverse, followed by sarcocystids (genus Sarcocystis) and eimeriids (genera Isospora and Lankesterella). All were related to parasites of other reptiles, including species from Arabia, Northern Africa and Asia. Like their 29 endemic reptile hosts, almost all Socotran parasites presented high genetic divergence and ecological differences from those found elsewhere, and probably represent undescribed endemic species. Among hosts, skinks were the most parasitized, which contrasted with similar studies from other areas, probably due to their more generalist diet and habitat use. As expected due to its high species richness, geckos harboured the highest parasite diversity in the archipelago. Parasite diversity also seemed to be correlated to island size, as the largest island harboured most haplotypes. This study emphasizes the importance of screening parasites in wild hosts from remote regions and of considering host ecology to understand disease transmission across taxa.

Molecular and morphological analysis of a Caryospora-like isolate (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) (Latham, 1801) in Western Australia.

A new Caryospora-like isolate is described from a magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) in Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts of the Caryospora-like isolate (n = 35) are subspherical with a shape index of 1.13 ((21.5 (19.7-23.6) × 19.0 (18.1-19.8) µm). The bilayered oocyst wall is smooth. Micropyle, polar granule and oocyst residuum are absent. The sporocyst is ellipsoidal, 18.9 (17.2-20.8) × 12.3 (11.9-12.8) µm, with a shape index (length/width) of 1.54. The sporocyst wall is bilayered. Stieda and substieda bodies are present, the Stieda body is small and flattened and the substieda is trapezoidal. Sporocyst with eight sporozoites arranged head to tail. The sporozoites are vermiform, 18.9 (17.2-20.8) × 12.3 (11.9-12.8) µm and have striations at the anterior end. Each sporozoite has both anterior and posterior refractile bodies. A sporocyst residuum is present. Molecular characterization of the isolated Caryospora-like oocysts was conducted at the 18S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) loci. At the 18S rRNA locus, the Caryospora-like isolate exhibited 88.8% to 96.5% similarity with other Caryospora spp. from different hosts. At the COI locus, it showed 91.5% similarity to Caryospora cf. bigenetica JB-2013 (KF859856) from the rattlesnake, Sistrurus catenatus.

Coccidia of Columbiformes: a taxonomic review of its Eimeriidae species and Eimeria columbinae n. sp. from Columbina talpacoti (Temminck, 1809) from Brazil.

Coccidia (Chromista: Miozoa: Eimeriidae) of columbiform birds (Aves: Columbiformes) have been described since the end of the nineteenth century; however, some of these descriptions were poorly detailed or inconclusive. In this sense, the current work makes a detailed taxonomic revision reconsidering and organizing 18 Eimeria spp. and two Isospora spp. previously described or reported of Columbiformes. Along with this, a new species of Eimeria is morphologically and molecularly identified by the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene and by the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S) gene from the ruddy ground-dove Columbina talpacoti (Temminck, 1809) in the Médio Paraíba region of the State of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. Eimeria columbinae n. sp. has subspheroidal oocysts, 14.7 × 13.2 µm, with smooth, bi-layered wall, ~ 1.1 µm and length/width ratio of 1.1. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are present, but polar granule is absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal to slightly asymmetrical, 9.0 × 5.1 µm, with both Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies. Sporocyst residuum present and sporozoites with refractile body and nucleus. This is the 19th description of an eimerian from Columbiformes in the World, and the second to have a molecular identification of the COI and 18S genes.

Prevalence of Caryospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) Oocysts in the Environment of a Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) Breeding Center in the United Arab Emirates.

A total of 356 gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) fecal, fomite, and environmental samples were collected from a breeding center located in the United Arab Emirates to assess the prevalence of Caryospora species oocysts in the environment. These included 136 samples (38%) from fomites and fecal samples from chicks at 0 to 10 days old, 29 samples (8%) at 15 days old, 23 samples (6%) at 60 days old, 7 samples (2%) at 67 days old, and 24 samples (7%) at 70 days old. In addition, 105 samples (29%) were collected from the environment of 13 breeding chambers, and 32 samples (9%) from the environment of 17 juvenile falcons. The prevalence of Caryospora species oocysts in fomites and fecal samples from the chicks had negative results from 10 to 60 days old. However, at 67 and 70 days old, the prevalence increased to 71.42% (5 of 7) and 95.83% (23 of 24), respectively. The prevalence of Caryospora species in the environment of 13 pairs of falcons housed in 13 breeding chambers was 0.15 oocyst/m2 in the sand, whereas, in the environment of 17 juvenile falcons housed in the free-flying aviary, the prevalence was 0.00086 oocyst/m2 in the sand and 0.15 oocyst/L in contaminated water. These results indicate that oocysts of Caryospora species may be found in the environment and in areas of poor and substandard hygiene. Caryospora species is an important protozoon parasite affecting captive falcons maintained in breeding centers and those used for falconry in the Middle East.

Prevalence of Caryospora Species (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in Falcons in the United Arab Emirates.

A total of 3975 fecal samples, originated from the same number of individual birds, from 7 dedicated falcon hospitals, were examined to determine the prevalence of Caryospora species in the falcon population used in the sport of falconry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). From that total, 297 (7.5%) were positive for the presence of Caryospora species. The falcons were all captive bred within the UAE and abroad, mainly from Germany, Spain, the United States, and Canada. Positive samples for the presence of Caryospora species were sporulated, and the taxonomy was established based on morphologic characteristics. The results showed the prevalence of the following Caryospora species: C kutzeri 41.4%, C neofalconis 25.6%, C megafalconis 18.2%, C falconis 10.4%, C cherrughi 3.7%, and C boeri 0.7%. The prevalence of Caryospora species among the various falcon species in this study was: gyr × peregrine hybrid falcons ( Falco rusticolus × Falco peregrinus), 27.3%; gyr falcons ( Falco rusticolus), 25.6%; peregrine falcons ( Falco peregrinus), 20.5%; saker falcons ( Falco cherrug), 16.5%; gyr × saker hybrid falcons ( Falco rusticolus × Falco cherrug), 8.1%; Eurasian kestrels ( Falco tinnunculus), 1%; red-napped shaheen ( Falco pelegrinoides babylonicus), 0.7%; and American kestrels ( Falco sparverius), 0.3%.

Serratospiculosis in Captive Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) in Switzerland.

Infection with Serratospiculum species was identified in a captive peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) in Switzerland. Pathologic and parasitologic examination results revealed generalized severe granulomatous airsacculitis, with intralesional adults, larvae, and eggs of Serratospiculum species. Subsequently, an individual coprological analysis of the remaining 15 falcons (peregrine falcons and gyrfalcons [Falco rusticolus]) from the same owner was performed. Eggs of Serratospiculum species (4 birds) and Capillaria species (11 birds), and oocysts of Caryospora species (1 bird) were detected. Treatment with ivermection (2 mg/kg SC) was effective, as none of the falcons excreted Serratospiculum species eggs 10 days after one dose. To our knowledge, this is the first report of infection with Serratospiculum species in captive falcons in Europe.

Chlamydotis macqueenii and C. undulata (Aves: Otididae) are new hosts for Caryospora megafalconis (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) and proposal of the genus Avispora gen. nov.

Oocysts of a coccidian morphologically matching features of Caryospora megafalconis Klüh, 1994 were found in fecal samples and contents of the large intestines in five wild caught Clamydotis macqueenii (Gray) and 19 captive bred C. undulata (Jaquin). Scrapings of the intestinal mucosa of necropsied birds revealed macrogamonts and unsporulated oocysts. Sporulation in a potassium dichromate solution at 26 °C was completed in 48 h. Intestinal contents and sporulated oocysts obtained from feces of infected bustards as well as sporulated oocysts of C. megafalconis and C. neofalconis Böer, 1982 from two Falco rusticolis Linnaeus and one F. peregrinus Tunstall were used for DNA sequencing of the cox1, 18S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA), and 28S rRNA genes. The phylogenetic trees for all three genes showed that sequences of the material from bustards were identical with C. megafalconis from falcons. C. neofalconis and C. daceloe Yang et al., 2014 were situated in the neighboring clades. Contrary to this, subsequent sequences of C. bigenetica Wacha and Christiansen, 1982 from rattlesakes are at a distinct distance suggesting that despite morphological similarities of the oocysts, there are differences between Caryospora species of birds and reptiles. For this reason, it might be reasonable to transfer avian Caryospora species into a new genus Avispora.

Protozoal nodular dermatitis and panniculitis in a Rottweiler puppy caused by Caryospora bigenetica.

BACKGROUND: Caryospora bigenetica is an intracellular protozoan parasite in snakes and raptors (primary hosts) and rodents (secondary host). Experimental infection has been documented in mice, pigs and goats; natural infection in dogs is rare. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical presentation, histological features, treatment and outcome of a case of protozoal nodular dermatitis and panniculitis in a Rottweiler puppy caused by C. bigenetica. RESULTS: The puppy presented with generalized subcutaneous nodules measuring up to 2 cm in diameter. Histopathology revealed marked suppurative to pyogranulomatous dermatitis and panniculitis with intralesional protozoal organism. PCR and DNA sequencing confirmed infection with C. bigenetica. Treatment with a combination of oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMS), pyrimethamine and high-dose clindamycin (20 mg/kg twice daily) resulted in resolution of lesions in 6 weeks. Discontinuation of the treatment 2 weeks later was followed by a rapid relapse of skin lesions. Clindamycin and TMS were restarted and all lesions resolved within 2 weeks; TMS was discontinued 4 weeks later due to adverse effects. The lesions remained in remission for 2 months while the puppy received clindamycin monotherapy before a second relapse of skin lesions occurred. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first documentation of the treatment and outcome of C. bigenetica cutaneous infection in a dog. Although remission of clinical signs can be achieved with combination therapy of clindamycin and TMS, long-term management is challenging and relapses should be anticipated.

A new species of Choleoeimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) parasitic in the rough-tailed gecko Cyrtopodion scabrum (Sauria: Gekkonidae) in Egypt.

Coprological examination of 15 samples of the rough-tailed gecko Cyrtopodion scabrum collected from Abu Rawash, Giza, Egypt, revealed that 20 % (3/15) were passing oocysts of a new Choleoeimeria species. Oocysts of Choleoeimeria scabrumi n. sp. are ellipsoidal with a smooth, yellow to orange, bilayered smooth wall, measure 26 × 13 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.8. Polar granule, micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal and 8 × 5 µm and the sporocyst wall has two plates joined by a longitudinal suture. Stieda, substieda and parastieda bodies are absent. The endogenous development is confined to the gallbladder epithelium. Mature meronts are subspheroidal and 11-13 × 8-10 µm. Macrogamonts are mostly spheroidal and 12-14 µm wide, with a prominent nucleus in the centre. Microgamonts are irregular in shape, 9-11 × 5-7 µm. Based on the morphological features of the oocysts and the endogenous development in the gallbladder epithelium, we identified this biliary coccidium to be a new species in the genus Choleoeimeria.

A new Caryospora coccidian species (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the laughing kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae).

A new Caryospora coccidian species is described from the laughing kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae). Sporulated oocysts (n=30) are ovoid in shape with a smooth, colourless, bilayered oocyst wall and measure 31.4×29.3 (30.0-32.0×28.0-31.0) µm with a shape index of 1.1. Oocysts contain one spheroidal to subspheroidal sporocyst, 21.2×20.6 (20.0-24.0×20.0-21.0) µm. A spheroidal shaped sporocyst residuum is present; micropyle, Stieda, substieda and parastieda bodies are absent. Vermiform sporozoites (n=8) are arranged either parallel or randomly in the sporocyst, measuring 17.0×4.8 (16.0-18.0×4.0-6.0) µm, with a L/W ratio of 3.5. There is a large spheroidal, posterior refractile body in the middle of the sporozoite. Morphologically, this new species is most similar to Caryospora. The prevalence of this parasite was 6.7% in birds sampled in the morning and 33.3% from those sampled after midday. Further molecular characterisation was conducted at two loci; the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA). At the 18S locus, the new species of Caryospora was most closely related to Besnoitia besnoiti (99.2% similarity) and Hammondia triffittae (98.8% similarity). Although, no 28S partial sequences from Caryospora were available in GenBank, the highest similarity was with B.besnoiti (91.3%). Based on morphological and molecular data, this coccidian parasite is a new species that to date has not been reported. The new coccidian parasite is named Caryospora daceloe n. sp. after its host D. novaeguineae (the laughing kookaburra).

The first report of liver coccidian Goussia cruciata in jack mackerel, Trachurus murphyi, from the South Pacific and its relationship with host variables.

The liver coccidian Goussia cruciata is considered as a specific parasite of the genus Trachurus, but to date, this parasite has only been reported for Atlantic species (Trachurus picturatus, Trachurus lathami, Trachurus trachurus and Trachurus mediterraneus). Therefore, this is the first report of this parasite in a species of Trachurus from the South Pacific. The prevalence and abundance of this coccidian in jack mackerel, T. murphyi, was determined, and its relationships with host variables such as total body length, condition factor and hepatosomatic index were evaluated. A total of 49 individuals were sampled from a commercial vessel of the central Chilean coast (36° 41' S, 73° 06' W) in November 2013 and February and May 2014. The parasite was identified by means of liver smears using light microscopy. The relationship between the abundance of the parasites and the host total length, condition factor and hepatosomatic index was analysed with Spearman's correlations. The sporogonic stages exhibited sporocysts that were morphologically concordant with coccidian G. cruciata. All hosts were parasitised with this coccidian, and the abundance varied between 2 and 224 oocytes per host. The parasite abundance was negatively correlated with the host total length. Infection levels of G. cruciata in T. murphyi apparently do not produce negative effects on fish condition.

Choleoeimeria salaselensis sp. n. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the gall bladder of the horned viper Cerastes gasperettii (Serpentes: Viperidae) in Saudi Arabia.

Oocyst morphology and endogenous developmental stages are described for Choleoeimeria salaselensis sp. n. from the gall bladder of 10 horned vipers, Cerastes gasperettii Leviton and Anderson, in Saudi Arabia. Sporulated oocysts are ellipsoidal, 23 x 15 (22-25 x 14-17) microm, length/width ratio (L/W) 1.5 (1.4-1.6), each with 4 sporocysts (Eimeria-like), but lack a micropyle, polar granules and oocysts residuum. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 8 x 5 (7-9 x 5-) microm, L/W 1.5 (1.4-1.6), and Stieda, substieda and parasubstieda bodies are all absent, but a longitudinal suture, which divided the sporocysts into 2 plates, is present. Endogenous development is confined to epithelial cells in the bile duct and gall bladder; mature meronts were 11 x 7 microm, each with 10-16 merozoites, microgamonts were -12 microm wide, and macrogamonts were -16 microm wide with a prominent nucleus and wall-forming bodies. Given these two diagnostic features, sporocysts with a suture and composed of two plates and endogenous development limited to the biliary epithelium, we believe this coccidium is best classified as a member of Choleoeimeria Paperna et Landsberg, 1989. There are 5 known Eimeria species from vipers that have sporocysts somewhat similar in size to those of our new form, but all of them have much larger oocysts and larger sporocysts, some of which differ significantly in shape; there are not yet any Choleoeimeria species known from the Viperidae.

Isospora pitiguari n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the rufous-browed peppershrike (Aves: Passeriformes: Vireonidae) Cyclarhis gujanensis Gmelin, 1789.

In the current study, a new coccidian species (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), collected from the rufous-browed peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis Gmelin, 1789, is reported from Brazil. Isospora pitiguari n. sp. has oocysts, which are spherical to sub-spherical, 26.8 × 25.7 µm, with smooth, bilayered wall ~1.5 µm thick. Micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are rounded to slightly ovoidal, 14.4 × 11.6 µm. Stieda body flattened and substieda body prominent and rounded. Sporocyst residuum is composed of granules of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform with one refractile body and a nucleus. This is the first description of an isosporoid coccidium infecting a New World vireo.

[Goussia obstinata sp. n. (Sporozoa: Eimeriidae), a new coccidian species from intestines of the Amur sleeper Perccottus Glenii Dybowski, 1877 (Perciformes: odontobutidae)].

Goussia obstinata sp. n. is described from the intestine epithelium of the Amur sleeper Perccottus glenii Dybowski, 1877 from Russia and Moldova. The species was examined in an optical microscope. Merogonic, gamogonic and sporogonic stages of the species are located in cells of the gut epithelium. Sporulation is endogenous; oocysts are released in the gut lumen. Non-sporulated oocysts are spherical or ellipsoidal; sporulated oocysts are rounded, 6.7-11.4 µm in diameter, with a colorless, single-layer, very fine and easily ruptured wall. Micropyle and oocyst residuum is absent; 1-2 small polar granules of 1.0-2.5 µm are sometimes present. Oocysts contain four compact widely oval, slightly narrow-ended sporocysts. The sheath of the sporocyst is formed of two folds divided by a slightly S-shaped longitudinal suture. Coarsely granulated, globular or oval compact sporocyst's residuumis located between sporozoites. Sausage-shaped sporozoits are subdivided by a bend into two unequal parts, being 6.4-9.8 µm (long part) and 2.6-4.8 µm (short part) long, arranged in a top-to-tail position. Our preliminary data suggests that infestation of the sleeper with the examined parasite is not associated with the morbidity and mortality of the fish. A new combination Goussia marmorata (Molnár, 1996) comb. n. is proposed for a species originally described in the content of the genus Eimeria Schneider, 1875 from the Western tubenose goby Proterorhinus semilunaris.

Coccidia species in endemic and native New Zealand passerines.

New Zealand native passerines are hosts to a large variety of gastrointestinal parasites, including coccidia. Coccidian parasites are generally host-specific, obligate intracellular protozoan parasites. In passerine birds, members of the genus Isospora are most common. Under natural conditions, these parasites seldom pose a threat, but stressors such as quarantine for translocation, overcrowding, or habitat changes may cause an infection outbreak that can severely affect wild populations. Although coccidia are important pathogens and have caused mortalities in kiwi (Apteryx spp.) and hihi (Notiomystis cincta), their prevalence, epidemiology, life cycles, and taxonomic relationships are still widely unknown in native New Zealand songbirds. Over a period of 3 years (2007-2009), we examined 330 fecal samples of six native passerine species: tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae), North Island saddleback (Philesturnus carunculatus rufusater), North Island robin (Petroica longipes), silvereye (Zosterops lateralis), and fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa). The overall prevalence by flotation of coccidian infection in the New Zealand bird species examined was 21-38 %, 21 % in North Island robin, 38 % in tui, and 25 % in saddleback. Similar to prior studies in other countries, preliminary sequencing results suggest that coccidia in passerines in New Zealand are members of the family Eimeriidae, unlike the phenotypically similar genus Cystisospora of mammals. Using molecular methods, we identified at least five new genetically distinct Isospora species in the examined birds (three in tui and one each in saddlebacks and North Island robins).

A new species of Choleoeimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the lizard, Scincus hemprichii (Sauria: Scincidae).

Four out of twenty (20%) specimens of the lizard Scincus hemprichii Wiegmann, collected in Saudi Arabia were infected with a previously undescribed species of Choleoeimeria. Oocysts of Choleoeimeria jazanensis sp. n. are cylindroidal, 26 x 15 microm, with a smooth bilayered wall and a shape index of 1.7. Oocyst residuum and micropyle are absent. Sporocysts are subspherical, 10 x 7 microm, with a shape index of 1.3. The Stieda body is absent. Sporozoites are banana-shaped, 10 x 3 microm, with one refractile body and enclosed the fine granulated sporocyst residuum. The endogenous development is confined to the gall bladder epithelium, with infected cells being displaced from the epithelium layer towards lumen. Mature meronts are subspherical and estimates to produce 9-12 merozoites. Microgamonts are spherical in shape with diameter of 13 microm. Macrogamonts are subspherical with a prominent nucleus in centre and wall-forming bodies at periphery.

A new species of Caryospora Léger, 1904 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the snake Philodryas olfersii Lichtenstein (Colubridae) from a coastal habitat in Brazil.

A new coccidian species of the genus Caryospora Léger, 1904 (Protozoa, Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae) is reported from the colubrid snake host Philodryas olfersii Lichtenstein at a coastal area in the State of Rio de Janeiro, south-eastern Brazil. Oöcysts of Caryospora olfersii n. sp. are spherical to sub-spherical, 33.1 × 31.2 µm, with smooth, colourless, three-layered wall, c.1.4; middle layer lightly striated. Micropyle, oöcyst residuum and polar granule are all absent. Sporocysts are ovoid, 22.9 × 17.4 µm on average, with one extremity in the shape of a short neck. Stieda body present, 3.2 × 1.3 µm, sub-Stieda body present, homogeneous, larger than Stieda body, 4.5 × 1.7 µm. Sporozoites are inserted in a bulky sporocyst residuum.

Redescription of Eimeria zarudnyi Alyousif & Al-Shawa, 2003 as Choleoeimeria zarudnyi n. comb. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae).

Coprological examination of the worm lizard Diplometopon zarudnyi Nikolskii revealed the presence of oöcysts of Choleoeimeria zarudnyi (Alyousif & Al-Shawa, 2003) n. comb. in five (17%) of the 30 lizards examined. Sporulated oöcysts were found in the faeces and the gallbladder contents. These are tetrasporocystic, ellipsoidal, 25-32 × 18-25 (mean 27 × 22) µm, with a smooth bi-layered wall. The dizoic sporocysts are ovoidal, 10-13 × 6-9 (mean 11 × 7) µm, with a granulated sporocyst residuum. Sporozoites are banana-shaped with an average size of 13 × 3 µm. Endogenous stages (meronts, gamonts and gametes) are confined to the gallbladder epithelium and the infected cells were hypertrophied. Based on the morphological features of the exogenous stages and the endogenous development of the present parasite, its generic affiliation is revised and Eimeria zarudnyi Alyousif & Al-Shawa, 2003 is transferred to the genus Choleoeimeria.

Several enteropathogens are circulating in suckling and newly weaned piglets suffering from diarrhea in the province of Villa Clara, Cuba.

Intestinal contents of suckling (n = 45) and newly weaned (n = 45) piglets, suffering from diarrhea in the province of Villa Clara in Cuba, were tested for viral, bacterial, and parasitic enteropathogens from May to June 2008. At least one enteropathogen was identified in 53.3 % of piglets and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC; 25.6 %) was the major pathogen; mostly STa(+)/STb(+) or F4(+)/STa(+)/STb(+) ETEC were isolated. The overall occurrence of the rest of pathogens was 10 % for transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and Cryptosporidium parvum, 6.7 % for rotavirus A and Isospora suis, 5.6 % for α-toxigenic Clostridium perfringens, 3.3 % for verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC), and 2.2 % for Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Newport. TGEV and α-toxigenic C. perfringens were only identified in suckling piglets, while Salmonella Newport and VTEC were only detected in weaned pigs. Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), ß-toxigenic C. perfringens, Eimeria spp., and helminths were not identified. Eight kinds of mixed infections were detected in 25 % of enteropathogen positive piglets. ETEC was present in 10 of 12 mixed infections, and TGEV infections were never combined. This survey demonstrates that several enteropathogens are circulating in piggeries located in the province of Villa Clara in Cuba, and that is necessary to improve surveillance, prevention, and control of enteric infections in order to increase production efficiency.

A new species of Choleoeimeria (apicomplexa: eimeriidae) from oustalet's chameleon, Furcifer oustaleti (Sauria: Chamaeleonidae).

One of three (33%) captive specimens of Oustalet's chameleon, Furcifer oustaleti (Mocquard) originally from Madagascar and housed at the Oklahoma City Zoological Park Herpetarium, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, USA, was found to be passing an undescribed species of Choleoeimeria in its faeces. Oocysts of Choleoeimeria fischeri sp. n. were cylindroidal, 30.3 x 16.8 (28-34 x 15-18) microm, with a smooth, bilayered wall and a length/width ratio (L/W) of 1.8. A micropyle and oocyst residuum was absent but a fragmented polar granule was often present. Sporocysts were ovoidal, 9.6 x 8.0 (9-10 x 7-9) jm, with an L/W of 1.2. Stieda, sub-Stieda, and para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum consists of large globules dispersed between sporozoites. Sporozoites were elongate, 8.6 x 2.9 (8-10 x 2-3) microm, with an elongate posterior refractile body. The new species represents the second coccidian described from this lizard.