Distribution, redescription, and molecular identification of Isospora striata McQuistion et al. 1997 (Eimeriidae), from woodcreepers (Dendrocolaptidae) in South America.

Woodcreepers are passerines of the family Dendrocolaptidae, which have a high forest dependency. The current work aimed to redescribe Isospora striata McQuistion et al. 1997, from two new hosts in protected areas in Brazil, revealing new localities of parasitism, in addition to providing preliminary genotypic identifications via sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene from both host species. Isospora striata has oocysts that are subspheroidal to ovoidal, 19.4 × 16.8 µm with smooth wall. Oocyst residuum is absent, but micropyle and polar granules are present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 13.6 × 8.3 µm, with both Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies. Sporocyst residuum is present and sporozoites with refractile body, nucleus, and striations. The morphological study and the 100% similarity in sequencing of the COI gene between samples of different dendrocolaptid species confirmed the identification of a single species, supporting the identification of I. striata in the Brazilian Atlantic forest and consequently the wide distribution of this coccidian species in the Neotropical Region.

Morphological and genetic characterization of the first Isospora species (I. lugensae n. sp.) from a Kerguelen petrel (Lugensa brevirostris).

A new coccidian species, Isospora lugensae n. sp., was described from a single Kerguelen petrel (Lugensa brevirostris). Sporulated oocysts (n = 25) were characterized as subspheroidal to ellipsoidal measuring 24-25 µm × 21-23 µm (24.8 × 22.2 µm) in length/width (L/W), respectively, with a ratio of 1.07-1.14 µm (1.12). They contained a bi-layered wall with a thickness of 0.8-1.2 µm (1.0) and the outer layer smooth, with c.2/3 of total thickness. The oocyst contained two polar granules with both micropyle and oocyst residuum absent. Ovoidal sporocysts (n = 25) measured 15-16 µm × 10-11 µm (15.7 × 10.8 µm) in L/W, with a ratio of 1.41-1.49 µm (1.46). A flattened to knob-like Stieda body was present (c.0.5 µm deep × 2.5 µm wide) as well as a rounded to trapezoidal sub-Stieda (c.1.5 µm deep × 3.0 µm wide); however, no para-Stieda body was detected. The sporocyst residuum was composed of scattered spherules of different sizes, while vermiform sporozoites contained a refractile body, nucleus and visible striations. Analysis of the full-length mitochrondrial (mtDNA) genome revealed 3 protein-coding genes, (CytB, COI and COIII), 18 LSU and 14 small subunit (SSU) rDNA fragments, without transfer RNA genes with a total length of 6257 bp. Phylogenetic analysis of genomic SSU ribosomal sequences indicated that Isospora lugensae n. sp. is genetically similar to Eimeria reichenowi, isolated from a red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) from Japan, with a 96.6% homology. The mtDNA sequence is most similar to Isospora serinuse with a 95.8% genetic similarity. Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species of coccidian parasite that to date has only been found in a Kerguelen petrel.

A New Isosporan (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Wood Thrush, Hylocichla mustelina (Aves: Passeriformes: Turdidae), in Oklahoma.

The wood thrush, Hylocichla mustelina, is a North American passerine bird closely related to other thrushes and is widely distributed across North America. Nothing is known of the coccidian parasites of this bird. Feces from a single H. mustelina found dead in McCurtain County, Oklahoma were collected and examined for coccidia; it was found to be passing a new species of Isospora. Oocysts of Isospora gmelini n. sp. are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal with a smooth bilayered wall, measure (length [L] × width [W]) 19.5 × 16.5 µm, and have a L/W ratio of 1.2; a micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent but polar granule(s) are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal to elongate and measure 13.4 × 8.9 µm, L/W 1.5; a buttonlike Stieda body is present, but sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies are absent. The sporocyst residuum is composed of a compact spheroid with a dense, irregular mass of finer granules lying between and dispersed among the sporozoites. Although several isosporans have been reported from other turdid birds, mainly from Brazil and Costa Rica, this is the initial coccidian reported from H. mustelina and only the second known from the Turdidae in the mainland of the United States.

Ultrastructural Characteristics of Gallbladder Epithelial Inclusions Mimicking Cystoisospora.

OBJECTIVES: There is recently reported increased prevalence of Isospora organisms in cholecystectomy specimens from immunocompetent patients, especially in acalculous cholecystectomies. We performed an ultrastructural and molecular evaluation of these specimens. METHODS: From 28 gallbladders with intraepithelial inclusions, two specimens with diffuse involvement of the gallbladder epithelium were analyzed by electron microscopy. Polymerase chain reaction was performed on five samples for the ITS2 region of C belli and eukaryotic 18S region. The 18S products were sequenced by next-generation sequencing. RESULTS: Electron microscopic analysis showed cytoplasmic condensations leading to vacuole formation. In contrast with true C belli, there were no identifiable organelles or organization. None of these cases showed amplified products other than human on molecular analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Electron microscopic analysis demonstrates that the inclusions are condensed cytoplasmic material and not true organisms.

Isospora lopesi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the eastern white-throated spadebill Platyrinchus mystaceus Vieillot (Passeriformes: Tyranni: Tyrannidae) in South America.

A species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) considered as new to science is described and characterised molecularly from the eastern white-throated spadebill Platyrinchus mystaceus Vieillot in the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, southeastern Brazil. Isospora lopesi n. sp. has oöcysts that are subspheroidal to ovoidal, 18-24 × 18-22 (20.6 × 19.7) µm, with smooth, bilayered wall, c.1.5 µm thick. Micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent, but one polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 12-16 × 8-11 (14.4 × 8.6) µm. The Stieda body is flattened to half-moon-shaped and sub-Stieda body is rounded. Sporocyst residuum is present, consisting of numerous spherules of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform with anterior and posterior refractile bodies and nucleus. Molecular analysis was conducted at the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. This new isolate exhibited similarity greater than 98% with Isospora spp. isolates from spectacled warblers Sylvia conspicillata Temminck, 1820. This is the fourth isosporoid coccidian described from New World tyrannid birds, but is the first to have a complementary molecular characterisation.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Isospora neochmiae n. sp. in a captive-bred red-browed finch (Neochmia temporalis) (Latham, 1802).

A new Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) species is described from a single red-browed finch (Neochmia temporalis) (subspecies N. temporalis temporalis), that was part of a captive population in Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts of this isolate are spherical, 18.3 (18.2-18.9) × 18.2 (18.2-18.6) µm, with a shape index (length/width) of 1.0; and a smooth and bilayered oocyst wall, 1.2 µm thick (outer layer 0.9 µm, inner 0.3 µm). A polar granule is present, but the oocyst residuum and a micropyle are absent. The sporocysts are ovoid-shaped, 13.3 (9.5-16.4) × 8.6 (6.8-10.0) µm, with a shape index of 1.5. An indistinct Stieda body is present, but the substieda body is absent. A sporocyst residuum is present and composed of numerous granules of different size scattered among the sporozoites. Morphologically, the oocysts from this isolate are different from those of all known valid Isospora spp. Molecular analysis was conducted at 4 loci; the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) gene and the heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) gene. At the 18S locus, this new isolate exhibited 99.9%, 99.8%, 99.7%, and 99.5% similarity to I. sp. MAH-2013a from a superb starling (Lamprotornis superbus), I. MS-2003 from a Southern cape sparrow (Passer melanurus), I. sp. Tokyo from a domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) and I. MS-2003 from a Surinam crested oropendula (Psarocolius decumanus). At the 28S locus, this new isolate exhibited 99.7% similarity to both an Isospora sp (MS-2003) from a Northern house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and an Isospora sp. (MS-2003) from a Southern cape sparrow. At the COI locus, this new isolate exhibited 98.9% similarity to an Isospora sp. ex Apodemus flavicollis. At the hsp70 locus, this new isolate exhibited 99% similarity to isolate MS-2003 (AY283879) from a wattled starling (Creatophora cinerea). Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species of Isospora, which is named Isospora neochmiae n. sp. after its host, the red-browed finch (Neochmia temporalis).

Morphological and molecular characterization of Isospora manorinae n. sp. in a yellow-throated miner (Manorina flavigula wayensis) (Gould, 1840).

A new Isospora (Apicomplexa:Eimeriidae) species is described from a single yellow-throated miner bird (Manorina flavigula) (subspecies M. f. wayensis) in Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts (n = 32) of this isolate are spherical to subspherical, 22.8 (20.3-23.8) × 18.3 (17.7-18.7) µm, with a shape index (length/width) of 1.25 (1.2-1.3); and a smooth and bilayered oocyst wall, 1.3 µm thick (outer layer 0.9 µm, inner 0.4 µm). A polar granule is present, but the micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. The sporocysts are lemon-shaped, 15.5 (14.6-15.8) × 9.5 (9.5-10.2) µm, with a shape index of 1.6. Stieda and substieda bodies are present, the Stieda body being knob-like and the substieda body being subspherical-shaped. A sporocyst residuum is present and composed of numerous granules of different size scattered among the sporozoites, a spheroid or subspheroid refractile body is present in the sporozoite. Morphologically, the oocysts from this isolate are different from those of all known valid Isospora spp. Molecular analysis was conducted at 3 loci; the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) gene. At the 18S locus, this new isolate exhibited 99.2% similarity to Isospora gryphoni and three other Isospora spp. Further analysis of a subgroup of 300 bp long 18S sequences (8), including Isospora anthochaerae was conducted. This new isolate grouped in a clade with I. anthochaerae and exhibited 99.3% similarity. At the 28S locus, this new isolate grouped with I. anthochaerae with which it shared 99.1% similarity. At the COI locus, this new isolate exhibited 96.8% similarity to Isospora sp. JCI-2015 from a spectacled warbler (Sylvia conspicillata) in Spain. Further analysis from a subgroup of shorter COI sequences (n = 13) was performed and this new isolate exhibited 99.1% similarity to I. anthochaerae. Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species of Isospora, which is named Isospora manorinae n. sp. after its host, the yellow-throated miner (Manorina flavigula wayensis).

Isospora serinuse n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from a domestic canary (Serinus canaria forma domestica) (Passeriformes: Fringillidae) in Western Australia.

A new species, Isospora serinuse n. sp., (Apicomplexa:Eimeriidae) is described from a single domestic canary (Serinus canaria forma domestica) (subspecies S. c. domestica) in Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora serinuse n. sp. are spherical or subspherical, 25.5 (24.4-27.0) × 23.5 (22.0-24.8) µm, with a shape index (length/width) of 1.09; and a smooth bilayered oocyst wall, 1.2 µm thick (outer layer 0.9 µm, inner 0.3 µm). A polar granule is present, but a micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. The sporocysts are lemon-shaped, 18.9 (17.8-20.2) × 11.8 (10.6-13.0) µm, with a shape index of 1.6. Stieda and substieda bodies are present, the Stieda body being a small crescent shape and the substieda being indistinct. Each sporocyst with four vermiform sporozoites arranged head to tail. A sporocyst residuum is present and composed of numerous granules of different sizes that are scattered among the sporozoites. Morphologically, the oocysts of Isospora serinuse n. sp. were different from those of all known valid Isospora spp. Molecular analysis was conducted at 3 loci: the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA and two separate regions of subunit I of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) gene (designated COIa and COIb). At the 18S locus, Isospora serinuse n. sp. exhibited 97.5% similarity to Isospora sp. Tokyo from a domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) in Japan. At the 28S locus, I. serinuse n. sp. exhibited 94.9% similarity to Isospora anthochaerae n. sp. from a red wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata) in Australia. At the COIa locus, I. serinuse n. sp. exhibited 95.7% similarity to Isospora sospora sp. ex Apodemus flavicollis from a yellow-necked mouse and Isospora gryphoni from an American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) respectively. At the COIb locus, I. serinuse n. sp. exhibited 96.7% similarity to an Isospora (iSAT4) from a European pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca). Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species of Isospora, which is named Isospora serinuse n. sp. after its host, the domestic canary (S. canaria forma domestica).

Isospora streperae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from a grey currawong (Strepera versicolour plumbea) (Passeriformes: Artamidae) in Western Australia.

A new species, Isospora streperae n. sp., (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described from a single grey currawong bird (Strepera versicolour) (subspecies S. v. plumbea) in Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts (n = 32) are spherical to subspherical, with smooth colourless bilayered oocyst wall, 1.0 µm thick (outer layer 0⋅8 µm, inner 0.2 µm thick). Oocyst with a polar granule, an oocyst residuum and two spheroidal to subspheroidal sporocysts. Oocyst length, 23.8 (20.4-25.0) µm; oocyst width, 22.5 (20.0-24.6) µm; a shape index of 1.06, with Stieda, substieda bodies. Micropyle is absent. Sporocysts with compressed sporocyst residuum and four sporozoites. Sporocyst length, 14.4 (12.5-15.2) µm; sporocyst width, 11.2 (10.6-14.0) µm, sporocyst L/W ratio, 1.29. Necropsy of the bird identified haemorrhaging along the ileum and jejunum, which is where Isospora oocysts were also mostly detected. Molecular analysis was conducted at three loci; the 18S, 28S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) gene. At the 18S locus, I. streperae n. sp. exhibited 99.5% and 99.4% similarity respectively to an Isospora sp. (MS-2003) from a Southern cape sparrow (Passer melanurus melanurus) and Isospora dovati from a domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica). At the 28S locus, I. streperae n. sp. exhibited 96.9% similarity to an Isospora sp. (MS-2003) from a grosbeak starling (Scissirostrum dubium) and 95.8% similarity with the Isospora sp. (MS-2003) from a Southern cape sparrow. At the COI locus, I. streperae n. sp. exhibited 95.0% similarity to Isospora sp. from a yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) from the Czech Republic. Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species of Isospora, which is named Isospora streperae n. sp. after its host, the grey currawong (Strepera versicolour plumbea).

Ultrastructural aspects of Cystoisospora belli (syn. Isospora belli) in continuous cell lines.

Cystoisospora belli is an opportunistic protozoan that causes human cystoisosporiasis, an infection characterized by diarrhea, steatorrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and weight loss. The lack of animal models susceptible to C. belli, and the difficulty in obtaining clinical samples with fair amounts of oocysts have limited the research pertaining to the basic biology of this parasite. This study aimed to describe the ultrastructure of endogenous stages of C. belli in Monkey Rhesus Kidney Cells (MK2) and Human Ileocecal Adenocarcinoma cells (HCT-8). Zoites of C. belli exhibited typical morphological features of coccidia, which included a trilaminar pellicle, an apical complex formed by a conoid, polar rings, rhoptries, and micronemes, in addition to dense granules and the endoplasmic reticulum. No crystalloid body was observed but various lipid and amylopectin granules were usually present in the cytoplasm of zoites. We observed a tendency of the endoplasmic reticulum of the host cell to be located near the parasitophorous vacuole membrane. Merozoites were formed by endodyogeny and during replication, the apical complex of the mother cell remained intact. The formation of gametes or oocysts was not observed. The ultrastructural findings of C. belli are further evidence of its proximity to Sarcocystidae family members and corroborate their reclassification as Cystoisospora spp.

Isospora anthochaerae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from a Red wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata) (Passeriformes: Meliphagidae) in Western Australia.

A new species, Isospora anthochaerae n. sp. is described from a Red wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata). Sporulated oocysts (n=37) are subspherical, with smooth colourless to pale brown bilayered oocyst wall, 0.8 µm thick (outer layer 0·6 µm, inner 0.2 µm thick). Oocyst with 2 spheroidal to subspheroidal sporocysts. Oocyst length, 23.4 µm (20.0-26.0); oocyst width, 20.7 µm (19.0-22.0); oocyst length/width (L/W) ratio, 1.1. Micropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts with compact sporocyst residuum and 4 sporozoites. Sporocyst length, 14.5 µm; sporocyst width, 10.1 µm sporocyst L/W ratio, 1.4. Molecular analysis was conducted at four loci; the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene (COI). At the COI locus, I. anthochaerae n. sp. exhibited 98.5% similarity to Isospora lesouefi from a Regent honeyeater (Xanthomyza phrygia) and 98% similarity with an Isospora sp. (iSAT5) from a blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla). Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species of coccidian parasite that to date has only been found in Red wattlebirds.

A novel Isospora species (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from warblers (Passeriformes: Parulidae) of Costa Rica.

Five of 16 (31%) rufous-capped warblers (Basileuterus rufifrons) and 2 of 5 (40%) ovenbirds ( Seiurus aurocapilla ) sampled from Costa Rica were positive for a novel species of Isospora. Oocysts have a thin, smooth, double-layered, colorless wall and measure 22.3 µm ± 1.6 µm × 24.3 µm ± 1.5 µm (19-25 µm × 21-28 µm) with an average length-width (L/W) ratio of 1.0 (1-1.3). Oocyst residuum and micropyle are absent, but 0-4 spherical to cigar-shaped polar granules (1-2.5 µm) are present. Sporocysts are ovoid and measure 11.8 µm ± 0.9 µm × 16 µm ± 1.7 µm (10-14 µm × 12-19 µm) with an average L/W ratio of 1.6 (1.0-1.9). A knob-like Stieda body continuous with the sporocyst wall and a trapezoidal compartmentalized substieda body are present. Each sporocyst contained 4 sporozoites and a diffuse sporocyst residuum consisting of many variable-sized granules, some as large as 2 µm. This is the second description of an Isospora species in New World warblers (Passeriformes: Parulidae) and the first report of Isospora from both the rufous-capped warbler and ovenbird.

Two new species of Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from skinks, Emoia spp. (Sauria: Scincidae), from Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

Between September and October 1991 and again during September 1992, skinks (Emoia spp.) were collected from various localities on Fiji and Papua New Guinea (PNG) and examined for coccidians. One of 4 (25%) De Vis' emo skinks (Emoia pallidiceps) from PNG harbored an undescribed species of Isospora in its feces. Oocysts of Isospora grinbikpelapalai n. sp. were ellipsoidal to subspheroidal, 18.1 × 14.9 (17-20 × 14-16) µm, with a bilayered wall and a length/width index (L/W) of 1.2. Both micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent, but a prominent polar granule was present. Sporocysts were ovoidal, 10.7 × 7.6 (10-11 × 7-8) µm, with a L/W index of 1.4. Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies were present, but para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum consisted of large scattered globules dispersed between sporozoites. Sporozoites were elongate with spheroidal anterior and posterior refractile bodies. Isospora grinbikpelapalai was also found in 1 of 2 (50%) Pope's emo skinks (Emoia popei) from PNG. One of 13 (8%) white-bellied copper-striped skinks (Emoia cyanura), from Fiji, was passing another undescribed species of Isospora in its feces. Oocysts of Isospora casei n. sp. were elongate, 31.8 × 21.3 (28-35 × 18-24) µm, with a bilayered wall and a L/W index of 1.5. Micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granule were all absent. Sporocysts were ovoidal, 15.3 × 10.6 (14-16 × 10-12) µm, with a L/W index of 1.4. Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies were present, but para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum consisted of scattered globules among sporozoites or as a cluster surrounding sporozoites. Sporozoites were elongate with spheroidal anterior and posterior refractile bodies. Isospora casei was also found in 1 of 2 (50%) Fiji slender treeskinks (Emoia concolor) from Fiji. This represents the first report of coccidia from Emoia spp. and, to our knowledge, the initial documentation of reptilian coccidia from herpetofauna from Papua New Guinea.

A new Isospora species of passerines in the family Turdidae from Costa Rica.

Seven thrush species (Turdidae) from Costa Rica were examined for intestinal parasites; 21 of the 84 (25%) birds sampled were positive for a new species of Isospora. Oocysts of Isospora zorzali n. sp. have thin, smooth, double, and colorless walls; they measure 19.7 ± 1.5 µm × 18.6 ± 1.4 µm (16-24 µm × 15-21 µm), with an average length-width ratio of 1.1 µm. Sporocysts are ovoid, measure 8.5 ± 1.1 µm × 14.5 ± 1.7 µm (7-11 µm × 11-18 µm) with an average length-width ratio of 1.7 µm. A nipple-like stieda body continuous with the sporocyst wall is present, but no substieda body was observed. A sporocyst residuum consisting of large equal sized granules was observed either clumped together or diffusely. The sporocysts fill the entire oocysts with little to no open space observed. This is the first report of Isospora species from any of the sampled host species and also the first report from any species of thrush in Costa Rica.

Isospora riyadhensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the worm lizard Diplometopon zarudnyi Nikolskii (Amphisbaenia: Trogonophidae) in Saudi Arabia.

Isospora riyadhensis n. sp. is described from the intestine of the worm lizard Diplometopon zarudnyi Nikolskii in Saudi Arabia, where its prevalence was 26.6%. Its oöcysts are spherical to subspherical and measure 23 × 20 µm. The sporocysts, which are tetrazoic and ovoid, measure 13 × 8 µm, whereas their sporozoites are banana-shaped, have anterior and posterior refractile bodies and measure 12 × 3 µm. Oöcysts are passed unsporulated, and the majority become fully sporulated within 3 days at 25 ° C. All endogenous stages develop in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells in the posterior region of the small intestine, from where meronts, microgamonts and macrogamonts are described.

Coccidia of New World passerine birds (Aves: Passeriformes): a review of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 and Isospora Schneider, 1881 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae).

In the New World, the avian order Passeriformes comprises 47 families and 2,453 species, yet to date only 21 (45%) of the families and 58 (2%) of the species have been examined for coccidia, and from these only two species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 and 81 species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 have been described. This review contributes to our understanding of the morphology and systematics of coccidian parasites of passeriforms, providing a scientific basis for the identification of sporulated oöcysts recovered from the faeces of passerine birds from North, Central and South America. To this end, the coccidia were organised and grouped according to the family of the host, following the widely recognised concept of family-specificity and the updated systematics of the class Aves. Details of 83 eimeriid species are presented along with an illustration and tabulated data.

New species of Isospora from the blue-crowned motmot (Momotus momota) from Costa Rica.

Two (33.3%) of 6 blue-crowned motmots (Momotus momota) sampled from Costa Rica were positive for a new species of Isospora. Oocysts of Isospora momotana n. sp. have a double, thick, yellow to orange, 2.3 microm +/- 0.5 microm (2-3 microm) wall, contain 1 to 3 globular polar granules (1-4 microm), are ovoid with heavy pitting on the outer surface, and measure 29.4 +/- 2.3 x 27.5 +/- 2.3 (25-33 x 23-31) with an average length:width ratio of 1.1 (1.0-1.35). Sporocysts are ovoid, contain a residuum composed of large, equal-sized granules, and measure 19.4 +/- 1.3 x 12.2 +/- 1.1 (16-22 x 10-14) with an average length:width ratio of 1.6 (1.2-1.91). A small rounded stieda body, continuous with the sporocyst wall, and a prominent triangular substieda body are present. A second Isospora species was observed in 1 bird, but because only a few oocysts were present, a full description is not provided. This is the first report of coccidia from a motmot (Momotidae) and only the third Ispospora species described from the Coraciiformes.

Isospora cholangiopathy: case study with histologic characterization and molecular confirmation.

Isospora belli is an intracellular protozoan parasite that causes diarrhea worldwide and is endemic in the tropics. In the United States, it is an uncommon cause of traveler's diarrhea and a relatively rare opportunistic pathogen among the immunocompromised, particularly AIDS patients. Isospora infects the small intestine, where both sexual and asexual replication occur, and oocysts are shed in the stool. Isosporiasis of the gallbladder has also been described in AIDS patients. We report a case of diffuse biliary isosporiasis in a West African man who presented with acute illness and was found to have dilated bile ducts. He had no history of hepatobiliary disease; his HIV status was unknown. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography demonstrated markedly abnormal intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts, with radiologic findings reminiscent of primary sclerosing cholangitis. However, common bile duct biopsies revealed Isospora belli, which was confirmed by both electron microscopy and polymerase chain reaction-based molecular analysis.

Species of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in shrews from Alaska, U.S.A., and northeastern Siberia, Russia, with description of two new species.

Fecal samples (n = 636) from 10 species of shrews collected in Alaska (n = 540) and northeastern Siberia (n = 96) were examined for the presence of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). Five distinct oocyst morphotypes were observed. Three types were consistent with oocysts of previously recognized coccidia species from other shrew hosts. These were Eimeria inyoni, E. vagrantis, and Isospora brevicauda, originally described from the inyo shrew (Sorex tenellus), dusky shrew (S. monticolus), and northern short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda), respectively. We found 5 new host records for E. inyoni, 3 for E. vagrantis, and 3 for I. brevicauda. The 2 additional oocyst morphotypes, both from the tundra shrew (Sorex tundrensis), are putative new species. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria beringiacea n. sp. are subspheroidal, 17.7 x 15.6 microm (14-24 x 13-20 microm) with a length (L)/width (W) ratio of 1.1 (1.0-1.4); these lack a micropyle (M), an oocyst residuum (OR), and a polar granule (PG). Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 10.3 x 6.1 microm (7-14 x 4-8 microm), with a L/W ratio of 1.7 (1.3-2.3) and have a Stieda body (SB), Substieda body (SSB), and sporocyst residuum (SR). Oocysts of Eimeria tundraensis n. sp. are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 24.8 x 23.5 microm (23-26 x 22-25 microm), with a L/W ratio of 1.1 (1.0-1.2); these lack a M and OR, but a single PG is present. Sporocysts are elongate ellipsoidal, 15.4 x 8.3 microm (13-17 x 7-9 microm), with a L/W ratio of 1.9 (1.4-2.1) and have a SB, SSB, and SR.