Observations on some avian Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in Amazonian Brazil.

Abstract

Oocysts of Eimeria porphyrulae n.sp. are described in faeces of Porphyrula martinica (Aves: Gruiformes: Rallidae). They are ellipsoidal to oval, 22.4 x 17.7 (20.0-23.7 x 16.2-18.7) microns, shape-index (length/width) 1.3. Oocyst wall about 1.25 microns thick, colourless, with two layers: inner one prominently striated. Micropyle and sub-micropylar granule present: no oocyst residuum. Sporocysts 17.5 x 9.0 (17.0-19.0 x 8.0-10.0) microns, shape-index 1.9, with inconspicuous Stieda/sub-Stieda bodies. Sporocyst residuum of scattered granules, sometimes a compact mass: sporozoites with two refractile bodies. Eimeria crypturelli n.sp. is described in faeces of Crypturellus soui (Tinamiformes: Tinamidae). Oocysts ellipsoidal-oval, 20.75 x 14.5 (17.5-25.0 x 11.25-21.25) microns, shape-index 1.4. Oocyst wall about 1.25 microns thick and bi-layered: inner layer faintly striated. Micropyle present, with oocyst residuum immediately below: single polar body rarely present. Sporocysts 13.0 x 7.5 (12.5-13.75 x 7.5-8.1) microns, shape-index 1.7, with a Stieda body but seemingly no sub-Stieda. Sporocyst residuum compact: sporozoites with two refractile bodies. Isospora cacici n.sp. is recorded from faeces of Cacicus cela cela (Passeriformes: Icteridae). Oocysts subspherical-spherical, 26.5 x 23.7 (22.5-27.5 x 20.0-26.2) microns, shape-index 1.1. Wall a single, colourless layer about 1.5 microns thick. No micropyle or oocyst residuum: 1-2 polar bodies. Sporocysts ellipsoidal, 17.7 x 12.5 (17.5-18.75 x 11.25-13.75) microns, shape-index 1.4, with pronounced Stieda/sub-Stieda bodies: residuum compact and sporozoites with two refractile bodies. Isospora thraupis n.sp. is described from faeces of Thraupis palmarum melanoptera (Passeriformes: Thraupidae).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)