A new species of Choleoeimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the invasive curious skink, Carlia ailanpalai (Sauria: Scincidae) from Guam, U.S. Territory.

The curious skink, Carlia ailanpalai Zug, occurs in the main group of the Admiralty Islands of Papua New Guinea but has also successfully invaded Guam, the Marianas, Yap, and Kosrae. A single coccidian, Eimeria zugi McAllister, Duszynski, Fisher, & Austin, 2013 was described from C. ailanpalai from Papua New Guinea. No additional coccidians are known from this host. Fourteen C. ailanpalai were collected from Cocos Island (Islan Dåno), Guam, U.S. Territory, and their feces examined for coccidians. A single skink (7%) was found to be passing oöcysts of a new species of Choleoeimeria. Oöcysts of Choleoeimeria cocosensis n. sp. are ellipsoidal to ovoidal with a bi-layered wall, measure (L × W) 21.1 × 12.9 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.6; a micropyle and an oocyst residuum were absent but fragmented polar granule(s) was present. Sporocysts are ovoidal and measure 8.6 × 6.3 µm, L/W 1.4; Stieda, sub-Stieda, and para-Stieda bodies were absent. Sporocyst residuum was typically a loose aggregate of various-sized granules between and across the sporozoites but sometimes a dense irregular mass between and across the sporozoites. Sporozoites were elongate, with a centrally located nucleus and a large spheroidal to subspheroidal posterior refractile body, but without an anterior refractile body. The new species can be differentiated from all other choleoeimerians from skinks by possessing one of the smallest oöcysts known from the host family. We also provide an updated summation of the choleoeimerians from skinks of the world. This article was registered in the Official Register of Zoological Nomenclature (ZooBank) as urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6EFDF027-0A92-43C4-9AD0-E555252E7741.

A novel coccidian (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Scotophilus leucogaster (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in southern Saudi Arabia.

A novel species of coccidia, resembling a member of the genus Eimeria, was found in bats, Scotophilus leucogaster, collected in southern Saudi Arabia has been described on the basis of unsporulated oocysts and DNA sequencing of the Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) and partial 18S rDNA regions. Unsporulated oocysts of this form are ovoidal to spheroidal and had a 2-layered wall, 1.5-2.0 (1.9 ± 0.2); the outer layer was light blue with striations, and thicker than the inner, darker layer. No micropyle was present. Unsporulated oocysts (N = 150) measured 27.2 × 22.1 (25-30 × 20-25), length width ratio, 1.2 (1.1-1.4). There was no evidence of an oocyst residuum and/or polar granule. This parasite was detected in 2/7 (29%) S. leucogaster collected from southern Saudi Arabia. Oocysts incubated at 25 °C in 2.5% K2Cr2O7 did not sporulate after > 1 month. Unsporulated oocyst measurements were compared with other coccidian parasites of bats that discharge oocysts in their feces. Sequences of the ITS1 and the 18S rDNA regions obtained from the unsporulated oocysts grouped this coccidium from S. leucogaster with eimerian species from various rodent and squirrel species. It is critical that future investigators obtain fully sporulated oocysts of this coccidium for full description of the parasite recovered in our study so it can be correctly assigned to genus and given an accurate binomial.

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.

Effects of Goussia infecting the blue whiting and phylogenetic placement of Goussia infecting marine fish off Northern Portugal.

Coccidian parasites of fish have received considerably less attention than their terrestrial counterparts, and within piscine hosts, most studies have focused on freshwater fish. The present study aimed to describe oocyst morphology, phylogenetic affinities, and the impacts of coccidian parasites infecting the internal organs of a commercially valuable marine fish, the blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), captured off the Portuguese coast. As part of the phylogenetic analysis, sequences from coccidians infecting the pout (Trisopterus luscus) and the Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) were included, and the oocyst morphology of the coccidians infecting the former was also reported. Results showed that the prevalence of coccidiosis in the blue whiting was very high (> 82%), occurring in all analyzed organs, despite being more abundant in the liver. A significant negative correlation was found between the abundance of the parasites in the liver and host condition index (p < 0.05), which indicates a negative effect on the fitness of this host. Phylogenetic analyses of the parasites found in all three species examined identified three different species of Goussia, closely related to Goussia clupearum. Adding to previous research, we propose the existence of a fourth group of Goussia, the clupearum type, able to infect multiple organs and phylogenetic related with G. clupearum.

A new acroeimerian (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in spotted house gecko, Gekko monarchus (Schlegel) (Sauria: Gekkonidae) from Peninsular Malaysia.

A new species of Acroeimeria Paperna & Landsberg, 1989 is described from the spotted house gecko, Gekko monarchus (Schlegel) from Peninsular Malaysia. Oöcysts of Acroeimeria grismeri n. sp. are spheroidal to subspheroidal with a smooth bi-layered wall, measure on average 18.4 × 17.3 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.1; a micropyle and an oöcyst residuum are absent but variable polar granule(s) are present, commonly in Brownian movement. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal and measure on average 8.6 × 6.7 µm, L/W 1.3; Stieda, sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies are absent. The sporocyst residuum is composed of numerous spheroidal granules in the center of the sporocyst. This is the initial species of coccidian reported from G. monarchus and one of the few reported from any reptile from Peninsular Malaysia.

A new species of Acroeimeria Paperna & Landsberg, 1989 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in Wiegmann's torquate lizard Sceloporus torquatus torquatus Weigmann (Sauria: Phrynosomatidae) from Toluca Valley, México.

A new species of Acroeimeria Paperna & Landsberg, 1989 is described from Wiegmann's torquate lizard Sceloporus torquatus torquatus Wiegmann from Toluca, México. Oöcysts of Acroeimeria wiegmanni n. sp. are sub-spheroidal with a smooth bi-layered wall, measure on average 28.6 × 23.6 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.2; a micropyle and an oocyst residuum are absent but polar granule(s) are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal and measure on average 11.7 × 8.6 µm, L/W 1.3; Stieda, sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies are absent. The sporocyst residuum is composed of numerous spheroidal granules in the center of the sporocyst. Endogenous stages of the new species develop in the duodenum of hosts. This is the first species of coccidian reported from S. t. torquatus and one of the few reported from a reptile in México.

Gastric coccidiosis in Thoracocharax stellatus caused by Goussia guamaensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Amazon region.

Ninety-seven specimens of spotfin hatchetfish, Thoracocharax stellatus, an ornamental freshwater species from the Amazon basin, were captured in the basin of the Guamá River in the municipality of Belém, in northern Brazil, and analysed for coccidiosis infection. Overall, 26 of the specimens were infected by apicomplexan parasites of the genus Goussia, with unsporulated forms being found in the gastric epithelium and sporulated forms in the intestinal lumen. The spheroid oocysts (mean diameter: 13.2 ± 1.7 µm) have four elliptical sporocysts. A partial sequence of the SSU rDNA of the new species was obtained, which contained 1,121 base pairs, with 43.8% guanine + cytosine (G + C), and the bases distributed as follows: A = 28.1%, C = 18.3%, G = 25.5% and T = 28.1%. The combined analysis of the morphometric and phylogenetic evidence confirmed that the specimens represented the genus Goussia and were allocated to a new species, Goussia guamaensis n. sp., which is described here.

A new eimerian (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from southern short-tailed shrews, Blarina carolinensis (Bachman) (Soricimorpha: Soricidae: Soricinae) from southeastern Oklahoma, USA.

A new species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described from faecal samples of two of three southern short-tailed shrews, Blarina carolinensis (Bachman) (Soricidae) from southeastern Oklahoma, USA. Oöcysts of Eimeria tkachi n. sp. are subspheroidal to ovoidal with a rough-pitted, tan colored, bi-layered wall, measure 16.5 × 15.2 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.1; both micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent, but polar granule(s) are present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 9.5 × 6.5 µm, L/W 1.4; a distinct button-like Stieda body is present, but the sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies are absent and the sporocyst residuum is composed of large globules distributed throughout the sporocyst. Sporozoites have a spheroidal anterior refractile body, a subspheroidal posterior refractile body, and one centrally-located nucleus. This is the smallest eimerian described thus far from the Soricidae, the initial description of a coccidian from B. carolinensis, and the first from any shrew from Oklahoma.

A new species of Caryospora Léger, 1904 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Guanabara spotted night snake Siphlophis pulcher (Raddi) (Reptilia: Dipsadidae) in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil.

A new coccidian species of the genus Caryospora Léger, 1904 (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae) is described based on material from the Guanabara spotted night snake Siphlophis pulcher (Raddi) (Reptilia: Dipsadidae) in a coastal area of the Atlantic Forest in Ilha Grande Island, state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. Caryospora ceadsensis n. sp. possesses spheroidal to slightly subspheroidal oöcysts measuring 17-24 × 17-24 (22.1 × 22.0) µm, with a c.1.3 µm thick bi-layered wall (inner layer smooth, outer layer slightly striated), length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.0-1.1 (1.0) and a highly refractive polar granule. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 11-17 × 10-13 (14.7 × 11.2) µm, with a L/W ratio of 1.0-1.5 (1.3), with a nipple-like Stieda body (1.1 µm high and 2.9 µm wide) and a large, bubble-shaped sub-Stieda body 1.7 µm high and 3.8 µm wide (1.0-2.0 × 3.0-4.5 µm). Sporocyst residuum composed of granules of differing sizes. Sporozoites with striations. This is the sixth record of a species of Caryospora in snakes of the family Dipsadidae in Brazil.

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%.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Choleoeimeria pogonae n. sp. coccidian parasite (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae, 1989, Paperna and Landsberg) in a western bearded dragon (Pogona minor minor).

A new species, Choleoeimeria pogonae n. sp. is described from a Western bearded dragon (Pogona minor minor) in Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts (n = 48) were cylindroidal in shape. Oocyst length, 27.0 (26.0-28.3) µm, oocyst width, 15.2 (14.0-16.5) µm, oocyst length/width ratio (L/W) 1.8 (1.6-1.9), each with 4 sporocysts (Eimeria-like) and a polar granule, but lacking a micropyle and oocyst residuum. Sporocysts are ovoidal in shape, sporocyst length, 10.0 (9.0-11.0) µm, sporocyst width 8.5 (7.0-9.5) µm, sporocyst L/W ratio, 1.2 (1.1-1.3). Stieda, substieda and parasubstieda bodies were all absent. Molecular analysis was conducted at the 18S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) loci. Phylogenetic analysis of 18S sequences revealed that C. pogonae n. sp. grouped together with another four Choleoeimeria spp. and exhibited 99.1%-99.4% genetic similarity. At the COI locus, C. pogonae n. sp. was in an independent clade and had the highest similarity (80.4%) to Eimeria cf. mivati from a chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus). According to the morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species of coccidian parasite. This study further supports the taxonomy of Choleoeimeria spp. as a new genus based on molecular phylogenetic analysis.

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.

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).

Four new species of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Owen Stanley Skinks, Papuascincus stanleyanus (Sauria: Scincidae), from Papua New Guinea.

Between September and November 1991, 12 Owen Stanley skinks, Papuascincus stanleyanus (Booulenger) were collected from various localities on Papua New Guinea and examined for coccidians. Six (50%) were found to harbour four eimerians that we describe here as new. Oocysts of Eimeria burseyi sp. n. were elongate to ellipsoidal with a bilayered wall and measured (length x width, L x W) 36.0 x 24.0 microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.5. Both micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent, but a polar granule was present. Oocysts of Eimeria goldbergi sp. n. were ellipsoidal, with a bilayered wall, and measured 21.4 x 16.1 microm; L/W ratio was 1.3. Both micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent, but a single or fragmented polar granule was present. Oocysts of Eimeria boulengeri sp. n. were spheroidal to slightly subspheroidal, with a thin, single-layered wall that readily collapses, and measured 16.0 microm, L/W ratio was 1.0. Both micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent, but usually one (sometimes two) polar granule(s) were present. Oocysts of Eimeria niuginiensis sp. n. were oblong to tapered with a bilayered wall, and measured 20.0 x 13.1 microm; L/W ratio was 1.5. A micropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granule were absent. To our knowledge, these represent the only coccidians ever described from P. stanleyanus.

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.

Description of Choleoeimeria duszynskii n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the gallbladder of the Middle Eastern short-fingered gecko Stenodactylus doriae (Blanford) (Sauria: Gekkonidae) in Saudi Arabia.

Choleoeimeria duszynskii n. sp. is described from the gallbladder of the Middle Eastern short-fingered gecko Stenodactylus doriae (Blanford) from Salasel, Central region, Saudi Arabia. Oöcysts are ellipsoidal (rarely ovoidal), 23-25 × 16-18 (24 × 17) µm, with mean length/width ratio 1.4. Oöcyst wall is smooth, bi-layered, c.1.0 µm thick. Micropyle, oöcyst residuum and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 8-10 × 4-6 (9 × 5) µm, with a smooth, colourless sporocyst wall and mean length/width ratio 1.7. Sporozoites are sausage-shaped, with one end slightly pointed, arranged head to tail around sporocyst residuum. Refractile bodies and nuclei are not discernible. The endogenous development is restricted to the epithelium of the gallbladder and bile duct. Meronts are rounded, 12 µm in diameter, containing up to c.15 merozoites. Microgamonts are irregular in shape, 22 × 17 µm, containing a large number of microgametes. Macrogamonts are spherical, 17 µm in diameter, with centrally located nucleus and wall-forming bodies at the periphery.

Four new coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Plateau zokor, Myospalax baileyi Thomas (Rodentia: Myospalacinae), a subterranean rodent from Haibei area, Qinghai Province, China.

Thirty-eight faecal samples from the Plateau zokor, Myospalax baileyi Thomas, collected in the Haibei Area, Qinghai Province, China, were examined for the presence of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). Seventeen of 38 faecal samples (44.7%) were found to contain coccidian oöcysts representing four new species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875, and four of 17 (23.5%) infected zokors were concurrently infected with two or three of these eimerian species. The sporulated oöcysts of Eimeria myospalacensis n. sp. are ovoidal, 9.5-17.0 × 8.0-13.0 (mean 13.0 × 10.4) µm; a polar granule is present, oöcyst residuum is absent; sporocysts are ovoidal, 4.5-7.5 × 3.0-5.0 (mean 6.3 × 4.2) µm and have both a Stieda body and residuum. Oöcysts of Eimeria fani n. sp. are ellipsoidal to cylindroidal, 12.5-16.0 × 8.0-11.0 (mean 14.6 × 9.9) µm; a polar granule is present, but micropyle and residuum are lacking; sporocysts are ovoidal, 4.5-7.5 × 3.0-5.3 (mean 6.7 × 4.4) µm; a residuum and a Steida body are present. Oöcysts of Eimeria baileyii n. sp. are ellipsoidal, 15.0-23.0 × 12.0-18.0 (mean 18.2 × 13.7) µm; a polar granule is present but oöcyst residuum is absent; sporocysts are ovoidal, 8.0-11.0 × 5.0-7.0 (mean 9.5 × 5.9) µm and have both a Stieda body and residuum. Oöcysts of Eimeria menyuanensis n. sp. are ovoidal, 12.5-21.0 × 11.0-18.0 (mean 17.1 × 14.6) µm, with a distinct micropyle c.2.5 µm wide; a polar granule is present but a residuum is absent; sporocysts are ovoidal, 8.0-12.0 × 5.0-7.0 (mean 10.2 × 6.4) µm, and have both a Stieda body and residuum.

Choleoeimeria ghaffari n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the gallbladder of Eryx jayakari Boulenger (Serpentes: Boidae) in Saudi Arabia.

Choleoeimeria ghaffari n. sp. is described from the gallbladder of Eryx jayakari Boulenger in Saudi Arabia. Oöcysts are tetrasporocystic, cylindroidal, 23 × 14 µm, with a smooth bi-layered wall and length/width ratio of 1.5, without micropyle, oöcyst residuum and polar granule. Sporocysts are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal, 8 × 6 µm, with length/width ratio of 1.4, without Stieda, sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies but with sporocyst residuum. Sporozoites are banana-shaped measuring 10 × 1.5 µm. The endogenous development was found to occur in the gallbladder epithelium and the extrahepatic bile ducts. Mature meronts are spheroidal, c.10 µm wide, and suspected to produce 12-16 merozoites. Microgamonts are irregular in shape, 13 × 10 µm, whereas macrogamonts are mostly subspheroidal, c.12 µm wide, with a prominent centrally-located nucleus. Based on oöcyst morphology and the site of endogenous development (epithelium of the gallbladder and bile ducts) the new eimeriid coccidian was placed in the genus Choleoeimeria Paperna & Landsberg, 1989.