Isospora basileuterusi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the golden-crowned warbler Basileuterus culicivorus (Deppe) (Passeriformes: Parulidae) in South America.

Isospora basileuterusi Mello & Berto n. sp. is described based on material from the golden-crowned warbler Basileuterus culicivorus (Deppe) captured in the Itatiaia National Park (Parque Nacional do Itatiaia), a conservation unit in south-eastern Brazil. Oöcysts of the new species are ellipsoidal to ovoidal, measuring on average 25.2 × 21.1 µm, with a smooth, bi-layered wall, c.1.6 µm thick. Micropyle and oöcyst residuum are both absent, but one to three polar granules are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal to lemon-shaped, measuring on average 15.3 × 9.5 µm, with a knob-like Stieda body and a trapezoidal sub-Stieda body. Sporocyst residuum is present, usually as a body of membrane-bound granules. Sporozoites are vermiform, with refractile bodies. Four of the 19 warblers captured (21%) were infected with the new species. Molecular analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene revealed a similarity of 99.5% between the new species and Isospora serinuse Yang, Brice, Elliot & Ryan, 2015 from island canaries Serinus canaria (L.) in Western Australia. The oöcysts of I. basileuterusi n. sp. can be distinguished from the four other Isospora spp. recorded in hosts of the Parulidae, and from the molecularly most closely related species, by the typical ellipsoidal to lemon-shaped sporocysts, with small sub-Stieda body and a membrane-bound sporocyst residuum. Therefore, based on the morphological and molecular features, I. basileuterusi n. sp. is the fifth species described in a host of the family Parulidae and the first molecularly characterized via sequencing the cox1 gene.

Supplementary morphological data and molecular analyses of Eimeria labbeana (Labbé, 1896) Pinto, 1928 (Chromista: Miozoa: Eimeriidae) from columbiform birds in Portugal.

Columbiformes have a worldwide distribution, of which 166 species occur in Eurasia. They have been reported parasitized by coccidians recurrently in recent years; however, Eimeria labbeana (Labbé, 1896) Pinto, 1928, which is first Eimeria sp. from Columbiformes described in the late nineteenth century, is not taxonomically identified by its oocysts since the 1930s. In this context, the current study aimed to supplement the morphology of E. labbeana from Eurasian collared doves Streptopelia decaocto Frivaldszky, 1838 and from a common woodpigeon Columba palumbus Linnaeus, 1758 in Portugal, providing a preliminary genotypic characterization. Three of the four columbiforms were positive for oocysts identified as E. labbeana, which were morphologically revised as having micropyles, in addition to other minor adjustments. Oocysts from S. decaocto and C. palumbus were morphologically identical and equivalent in all morphometric aspects, besides having genotypic similarity of 99.5%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene resulted in a large clade with Eimeria spp. and Isospora spp. from different vertebrates and low similarity between Eimeria spp. from Columbiformes, whereas the phylogenetic analysis based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene resulted in well-supported monophyletic groups, including one with the coccidians of columbiform birds.

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.

Eimeria ferreirai n. sp. (Chromista: Miozoa: Eimeriidae) from doves Leptotila spp. (Columbiformes: Columbidae) from Brazil.

The doves and pigeons constitute a taxonomic group (Columbiformes: Columbidae) of granivorous and frugivorous birds with a worldwide distribution. The current work aims to describe morphologically and molecularly a new protozoan from white-tipped doves Leptotila verreauxi Bonaparte, 1855 and grey-fronted doves Leptotila rufaxilla (Richard Bernard, 1792) in Southeastern Brazil. Eimeria ferreirai n. sp. has oocysts that are sub-spherical to ellipsoidal, 21.4 × 18.8 µm, with smooth, bilayered wall, ~1.6 µm thick. Micropyle present. Oocyst residuum absent, but one to two polar granules are present. Sporocysts are elongate ovoidal to boomerang-shaped, 13.4 × 6.9 µm. Stieda body triangular to lozengal. Sporocyst residuum is composed of granules of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform with refractile body and nucleus. Sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene and the subsequent phylogenetic molecular comparisons supported the description of the new species, since the maximum similarity was 90-95% with eimeriid species of Columbiformes, Anseriformes, Galliformes and Passeriformes. Thus, this is the first coccidian species reported from Leptotila spp. and the twentieth description of an eimerian from Columbiformes in the World.

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.

Isospora sagittulae McQuistion & Capparella, 1992 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from antbirds (Passeriformes: Thamnophilidae) in the Amazon and Atlantic Forest of Brazil: with notes on its distribution and dispersion in the Neotropical region.

In the current study, Isospora sagittulae McQuistion and Capparella, 1992 (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is reported from white-shouldered fire-eyes Pyriglena leucoptera (Vieillot, 1818) in the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. To date, this coccidian species was described from antbirds in Ecuador and Brazilian Amazon. In this sense, oocysts and measurements of the description of I. sagittulae from Amazonian antbirds were required from the deposit for comparison between samples from the Amazon and Atlantic Forest. The morphology was similar in all aspects, despite the polymorphism associated with the oocyst shape. DNA sequences for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) locus of the oocysts had similarity of 100%. Therefore, these strong morphological, molecular, and ecological equivalences ensure the unique identification of I. sagittulae. Finally, this finding reveals the wide distribution of I. sagittulae in the Neotropical region and indicates that other antbirds in the Brazilian Cerrado should disperse I. sagittulae to the Amazon and Atlantic Forest.

Eficacia de un aditivo de levadura en cerdas jóvenes que consumen piensos contaminados con zearalenona / Efficacy of a yeast additive to mitigate the effects of zearalenone-contaminated feed in gilts / Eficácia de um aditivo de levedura para leitoas que consomem ração contaminada por zearalenona

Resumen Antecedentes: Las micotoxinas representan pérdidas económicas significativas para la industria porcina, por lo que los adsorbentes de pared celular de levadura son una alternativa para reducir este problema. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de un aditivo anti-micotoxinas (AAM; Safmannan®) en la prevención de micotoxicosis resultante de la ingesta de zearalenona (ZEA). Métodos: Fueron utilizadas 36 hembras porcinas jóvenes, cuyas dietas incorporaron dos niveles de inclusión del AAM (basado en la pared celular de Saccharomyces cerevisiae; 0 y 0,2%) y tres niveles de inclusión de ZEA (0, 0,25 y 0,6 ppm). El ensayo tuvo una duración total de 21 d, durante los cuales se efectuaron evaluaciones semanales de peso corporal, ganancia de peso, consumo de alimento y el volumen de la vulva. Igualmente, se midieron los pesos relativos de hígado, tracto reproductivo total y el conjunto útero-ovario-vagina. Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos comprueban la eficacia del AMA utilizado, toda vez que su suplementación evitó los efectos tóxicos de ZEA y mejoró los índices en órganos reproductivos como el volumen de la vulva, peso relativo del tracto reproductivo y el conjunto útero-ovario-vagina en animales intoxicados. Sin embargo, los efectos anti-micotoxinas fueron fijos para ambos niveles (0,25 y 0,6 ppm) de ZEA. Conclusión: La adición de AAM en las dietas que contienen ZEA demostró ser una alternativa eficiente para reducir los efectos tóxicos de esta micotoxina.

Abstract Background: Mycotoxins are a significant cause of economic losses in swine farming and adsorbents based on yeast cell walls provide an alternative solution to reducing this challenge. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of an antimycotoxin additive (AMA; Safmannan®) for preventing the toxic effects of zearalenone (ZEA). Methods: A total of 36 pre-pubertal gilts were used, whose diets consisted of two different levels of AMA (based on the yeast cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae; 0 and 0.2%) and three inclusion levels of ZEA (0, 0.25, and 0.6 ppm). The experiment was conducted for a period of 21 d and the following parameters were measured weekly: Live weight, weight gain, feed intake, and vulvar volume. The relative weight of the liver and the entire reproductive tract, including the uterus-ovary-vagina combined were also measured. Results: There was a significant enhancement in the index characteristics of reproductive organs like vulvar volume, weight of the entire reproductive tract and weight of the uterus-ovary-vagina of the intoxicated animals. The antimycotoxin effects were the same, irrespective of the ZEA levels (0.25 and 0.6 ppm). Conclusion: The addition of AMA to diets containing ZEA proved to be an effective alternative for reducing the toxic effects of this mycotoxin.

Resumo Antecedentes: As micotoxinas determinam perdas econômicas importantes para suinocultura e os adsorventes à base de parede celular de leveduras são uma alternativa para reduzir este problema. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia de um aditivo anti-micotoxina (AAM; Safmannan®) na prevenção da micotoxicose decorrente da ingestão de zearalenona (ZEA). Métodos: Foram utilizadas 36 leitoas pré-púberes, cujas dietas apresentaram dois níveis de inclusão de AAM (à base de parede celular de Saccharomyces cerevisiae; 0 e 0,2%) e três níveis de inclusão de ZEA (0, 0,25 e 0,6 ppm). O período experimental teve duração total de 21 d, sendo realizadas avaliações semanais de peso vivo, ganho de peso, consumo de ração e volume vulvar. Pesos relativos de fígado, trato reprodutivo total e o conjunto útero-ovário-vagina também foram calculados. Resultados: Os resultados obtidos demonstram a eficácia do AAM, pois a sua inclusão demonstrou prevenir os efeitos tóxicos da ZEA, já que os índices em órgãos reprodutivos como volume vulvar, peso relativo do trato reprodutivo total e do conjunto útero-ovário-vagina foram maiores nos animais intoxicados e sem suplementação. Porém, o efeito anti-micotoxina foi fixo, sendo o mesmo para os dois níveis de ZEA (0.25 e 0.6 ppm). Conclusão: A adição do AAM em questão nas dietas contendo ZEA demonstrou ser uma alternativa eficiente para redução dos efeitos tóxicos desta micotoxina.