Lee Couch

A survey of the coccidian parasites of reptiles from islands of the Galápagos Archipelago: 1990-1994.

From 1990 through 1994, fecal samples were collected and examined for coccidian parasites from 26 giant land tortoises Geochelone nigra, from 715 lava lizards Tropidurus spp., from 139 land iguanas Conolophus subcristatus, and from 128 marine iguanas Amblyrhynchus cristatus, all of which inhabit various islands in the Galápagos Archipelago. None of the samples from A. cristatus or from C. subcristatus was infected with coccidia. Only 1 of 26 (4%) G. nigra was infected with a single Eimeria species that we describe here as new. A total of 262 of 715 (37%) individuals representing 3 species of Tropidurus discharged oocysts of 1-3 different coccidian species; these included 2 previously described species Eimeria tropidura and Isospora insularius, and an eimerian that we describe here as new. Additionally, 104 fecal samples from Tropidurus spp. were from 51 animals recaptured in either 2 or 3 yr; 21 had no infections in any year, 15 were infected at least once, 14 were infected in 2 yr, and only 1 was infected during 3 yr. No animal was recaptured and sampled during each of the 4 yr of this study. Of the 262 infected individuals, 30 (12%) had multiple coccidial infections at the time of collection (eimerian and isosporan, or 2 eimerians). Where determination of the sexes was possible in the lava lizards, there was no difference in prevalence rates between males (39%) and females (41%). Sporulated oocysts of the new eimerian from Tropidurus are ellipsoidal, 27.1 x 15.6 (25-31 x 14-18) microns, with a polar body, but without a micropyle or oocyst residuum; they contain ellipsoidal sporocysts, 11.8 x 6.7 (10-14 x 6-8) microns, without Stieda, sub-, or parastieda bodies, but with a sporocyst residuum. Sporulated oocysts of the new eimerian from G. nigra are ellipsoidal to ovoidal, 21.6 x 18.1 (18-25 x 16-20) microns, with a large polar body, but without a micropyle or oocyst residuum; they contain ellipsoidal sporocysts 10.7 x 7.0 (8-12 x 5-8) microns, with Stieda body but no sub- or parastieda bodies. Also present is a sporocyst residuum of medium to large granules randomly distributed among the sporocysts.

COCCIDIA (APICOMPLEXA), GENETIC DIVERSITY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL UNPREDICTABILITY OF FOUR CHROMOSOMAL SPECIES OF THE SUBTERRANEAN SUPERSPECIES SPALAX EHRENBERGI (MOLE-RAT) IN ISRAEL

Forty-five mole-rats, representing 4 chromosomal species (2n = 52, 54, 58, 60) of the superspecies Spalax ehrenbergi, were collected from 12 localities in Israel in 4 distinct climatic regions. Feces were examined for coccidian oocysts and 41 (91%) were infected; 26 (63%) had multiple infections of up to 5 coccidian species, 4 of which are described here as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria anzanensis n. sp. were ellipsoidal 18.3 x 12.5 microns (14-22 x 10-16) and had elongate-ovoidal sporocysts 7.3 x 4.9 microns (5-10 x 3-7); it occurred in 39 of 45 (87%) mole-rats, including all chromosomal species. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria spalacensis n. sp. were ovoidal 23.4 x 18.3 microns (17-29 x 12-21) with ovoidal sporocysts 9.4 x 6.8 microns (6-12 x 4-10); it occurred in 7 of 45 (16%) mole-rats (2n = 54, 58, 60). Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria carmelensis n. sp. were subspheroidal to ellipsoidal 19.1 x 16.5 microns (14-25 x 11-20) and had sporocysts that were spheroidal to ellipsoidal 8.6 x 6.2 microns (6-13 x 4-8); it occurred in 5 of 45 (11%) mole-rats (2n = 58, 60). Sporulated oocysts of Isospora spalacensis n. sp. were ellipsoidal 14.6 x 11.0 microns (12-17 x 9-14) with ellipsoidal to ovoidal sporocysts 8.5 x 4.5 microns (7.5-11 x 4-7); it occurred in 5 of 45 (11%) mole-rats (2n = 58, 60). Twenty-five of 45 (56%) mole-rats (all 4 species) were infected with a previously described form, Eimeria elliptica Sayin, Dincer, and Meric, 1977.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Elevated agglutination titres in plasma of Biomphalaria glabrata exposed to Echinostoma paraensei : characterization and functional relevance of a trematode-induced response

Production of elevated haemolymph agglutination titres by Biomphalaria glabrata following exposure to Echinostoma paraensei miracidia was investigated, to characterize this parasite-induced response and to understand its functional relevance. Both the dose of infection (1, 10 or 100 miracidia per snail) or the number of separate exposures to infection (between one and three, over a 4 or 8 day interval) were varied, and assuming a threshold dosage (10 miracidia per snail or higher) was exceeded, titres of juvenile snails peaked at 8-16 times the values for unexposed control snails, regardless of the exposure regimen. Adult snails, which are relatively refractory to infection, have slightly higher resting titres than juveniles, but exhibit only a 2- to 4-fold increase in titre following exposure. Juveniles exposed to infection but lacking demonstrable infection had lower titres than snails with confirmed infections. Exposure to infection increased heterogeneity of plasma agglutinins and provoked production of unique specificities not found in unexposed snails. However, the overall pattern of agglutination responses for snails with successfully developed parasites did not differ from those in which parasite development was unsuccessful. Agglutinating activity was inhibitable by several different monosaccharides, although plasma from infected snails was relatively unaffected by N-acetyl-glucosamine or N-acetyl-galactosamine. Wounding of snails provoked no change in plasma agglutination activity. As the highest agglutination titres were produced in snails with successfully developing parasites and agglutinin composition did not differ between snails with successful or unsuccessful parasites, the functional relevance of the response remains enigmatic. The production of unique agglutinins following exposure deserves additional study.

A PATHOGENIC NEW SPECIES OF EIMERIA FROM THE PYGMY RABBIT, BRACHYLAGUS IDAHOENSIS, IN WASHINGTON AND OREGON, WITH DESCRIPTION OF THE SPORULATED OOCYST AND INTESTINAL ENDOGENOUS STAGES

In January 2003, fecal samples from 13 live pygmy rabbits, Brachylagus idahoensis (Merriam, 1891), were collected at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, Oregon, and sent to the University of New Mexico (UNM), Albuquerque, New Mexico, to be examined for coccidia. In July 2004, 14 more fecal samples were collected and sent to UNM, 6 from some of the same rabbits and 8 from 16 other rabbits (4 were pooled samples from siblings). In addition, tissue sections from 3 dead rabbits (2 from the Oregon Zoo, 1 from Washington State University) also were examined. Two of 4 (50%) pooled fecal samples and 8 of 17 (47%) 1-rabbit samples were positive for a single species of Eimeria, which we describe here as a new species. Sporulated oocysts were subspheroidal, 25.6 × 23.8 (22–28 × 21–27) μm, with a length:width (L:W) ratio of 1.1 (1.0–1.2). A micropyle (∼2 μm wide) and 0–1 polar granules were present, but an oocyst residuum was absent. Sporocysts were ellipsoidal, 13.4 × 8.1 (11– 16.5 × 7.5–9) μm, with a L:W ratio of 1.7 (1.3–2.2), and they had a Stieda body and sporocyst residuum. Tissue sections showed a heavy infection of the villous epithelial cells of the proximal and mid-small intestine with coccidial endogenous stages, but no stages were found in liver hepatocytes. Meronts with approximately 46 (26–70) merozoites per infected cell appeared to be fully developed and were subspheroidal, 14.8 × 13.9 (13–18 × 10.5–16.5) μm. Developing macro- and microgamonts were indistinguishable from each other and were spheroidal to subspheroidal, 10.4 × 9.5 (9–11 × 7.5–10.5) μm. Mature macrogamonts were spheroidal to subspheroidal, 14.2 × 13.7 (12–17 × 11–16) μm, and mature microgamonts were smaller and subspheroidal, 11.9 × 10.8 (10.5–13 × 9–12) μm. This eimerian seems to be extremely pathogenic to young pygmy rabbits, and given the precarious nature of this unique genetic population, it appears to be an emerging pathogen that deserves immediate further study.

Redescription and new host record of Eimeria serbica from the caucasian tree squirrel, Sciurus anomalus, from Turkey

Fecal samples from 20 Caucasian tree squirrels, Sciurus anomalus (Gmelin, 1778) Güldenstaedt, 1785, were collected in Turkey during February and March, 2004, and all 20 were infected with a single species of coccidia, Eimeria serbica. Sporulated oocysts are ellipsoidal, 27.5 × 17.5 (21–34 × 15–20) with a length:width ratio (L/W) of 1.6 (1.4–1.8); they lack a micropyle and oocyst residuum, but 0–2 polar granules may be present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 11.9 × 6.9 (10.5–14 × 6– 7.5) with a L/W of 1.7 (1.5–2.1); a Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present.

Eimeria Species from Serows ( Capricornis spp.) in Japan with Descriptions of Two New Species

Fresh fecal samples from 35 Japanese serows Capricornis crispus (Temminck, 1845), and 5 Formosan serows Capricornis swinhoei Gray, 1862, were collected between October 1998 and March 1999. Eimeriid coccidians were found in 12 (34%) Japanese serows and in 1 (20%) Formosan serow. Three Eimeria species were found, and 2 are described here as new. The third species is consistent with the description of Eimeria kamoshika Inoue, 1989. Sporulated oocysts of 1 new species are broadly ellipsoidal, 20.7 × 16.8 μm (18–23 × 14–19 μm) with a length (L):width (W) ratio of 1.2 (1.1–1.4); these lack a micropyle (M) and oocyst residuum (OR) but 1–2 polar granules (PGs) are sometimes present. Sporocysts are elongate-ellipsoidal, 10.5 × 5.9 μm (9–13 × 5–7 μm), with a L/W ratio of 1.8 (1.5–2.4), and have a Stieda body (SB) and sporocyst residuum (SR). Oocysts of the second new species are broadly ovoidal, 28.2 × 22.0 μm (25–33 × 19–23 μm), with a L/W of 1.3 (1.1–1.5), and have a M at the slightly pointed end, but lack an OR and PG. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 12.9 × 8.1 μm (11–15 × 7–10), with a L/W of 1.6 (1.3–1.9), and have a SB and SR.

A New Coccidian from Acomys cahirinus Desmarest, 1819, from Evolution Canyon, Lower Nahal Oren, Mount Carmel, Israel

In 1994, fresh fecal samples were collected and examined for coccidian parasites from 43 spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus) and from 60 wood mice (Apodemus mystacinus). The 2 genera of rodents inhabit an area in Lower Nahal Oren. Mount Carmel, Israel, known as Evolution Canyon, which consists of opposite-facing slopes that are geologically identical, but micro-climatically very different. Acomys cahirinus is found primarily on the warmer and drier south-facing slope (SFS), whereas A. mystacinus primarily inhabits the cooler and wetter north-facing slope (NFS). None of the samples from the A. mystacinus contained coccidia, but 6 of 43 (14%) A. cahirinus individuals were discharging eimerian oocysts that we describe herein as a new species. Five of the 6 positive samples were from the SFS. Sporulated oocysts are ovoidal to subspheroidal, 26.5 x 22.9 (21-29 x 19-26) microns, without a micropyle, but with an oocyst residuum of 1 to several large clear globules and a medium-sized refractile polar body; they contain lemon-shaped sporocysts, 10.4 x 8.1 (10 11 x 7-10) microns, with a sporocyst residuum and Stieda body, but no sub-/or parastieda body. Sporozoites lie side by side, completely filling oocysts; each contains a large posterior refractile body.

Two New Eimerians (Apicomplexa) from Insectivorous Mammals in Madagascar

Abstract Fecal samples from 126 insectivorous mammals in Madagascar were collected between spring 1999 and fall 2001. In the Afrosoricida, 21 species in 5 genera were sampled, including 17 species of Microgale (31/96, 32% infected), Hemicentetes semispinosus (1/2, 50%), Oryzorictes hova (1/5, 20%), Setifer setosus (8/13, 61.5%), and Tenrec ecaudatus (5/8, 62.5%); in the Soricomorpha, only Suncus murinus was examined and 1/2 (50%) were infected. Two morphotypes of eimeriid oocysts, representing 2 presumptive new species, were found in 47 (37%) infected animals; only 2 afrosoricid hosts (2% of all hosts, 4% of infected hosts) had both oocyst morphotypes. Sporulated oocysts of the first morphotype, Eimeria tenrececaudata n. sp., are subspheroidal, 18.8 × 17.4 (17–22 × 15–20), with a length∶width ratio (L/W) of 1.1 (1.0–1.2); they lack a micropyle but may contain 0–2 polar granules and a single, small round oocyst residuum, 3 × 2.3. Sporocysts are lemon-shaped, 9.9 × 6.6 (9–11 × 5–8), with a L/W of 1.5 (1.2–2.0); they have a prominent, slightly flattened Stieda body and a substieda body but lack a parastieda body. The sporocyst residuum consists of only a few granules between the sporozoites, which are sausage-shaped and have a large posterior refractile body. Oocysts of the second morphotype, Eimeria setifersetosa n. sp. are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 30.1 × 28.6 (27–34 × 25–34), with a L/W of 1.1 (1.0–1.2); they lack both micropyle and oocyst residuum, but 1–2 polar granules are usually present. Sporocysts are subspheroidal to broadly ellipsoidal, 9.6 × 7.3 (9–11 × 6–8), with a L/W of 1.3 (1.1–1.7); they have a broad Stieda body, lack sub- and parastieda bodies, and have a residuum of a few granules scattered throughout the sporocyst. Sporozoites were not clearly defined, but what seemed to be a single large refractile body is seen, presumably in each sporozoite.

Ninety-First Annual Business Meeting

The business meeting was called to order by President Mark E. Siddall at 1502 hours on Thursday, 14 July 2016, in the Saskatchewan Meeting Room of the Westin Edmonton Hotel. President Siddall made his opening remarks and recognized the new Officers and Nominating Committee members for 2016–2017. He then thanked the outgoing Officers and Nominating Committee for their service to the Society. He also noted that members of the Nominating Committee are not appointed by Council, but voted in by the membership. See Council meeting minutes for lists of these individuals. President Siddall also thanked the sponsors who donated funds for the meeting; see the Council meeting minutes for the list of sponsors.

Strategies for Management, Control, and Chemotherapy

To date, we know that at least six apicomplexan genera infect wild and domesticated rabbits: Eimeria , Isospora , and Cryptosporidium have direct life cycles with sporulated oocysts from one rabbit directly infective to a second susceptible rabbit, while Besnoitia , Sarcocystis , and Toxoplasma have oocysts discharged by carnivores (usually felids) that are infective for rabbits in which only asexual tissue cysts eventually develop. Here we look at good management techniques to help keep rabbits from getting exposed to, and infected with, oocysts and at the forms of immunological-stimulating vaccines and therapeutic drugs/doses available to combat the disease states caused by these apicomplexans when rabbits do get infected.