Eimeria atheridis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), a new coccidium from the western bush viper Atheris chlorechis (Pel, 1851) from tropical Africa

Syst Parasitol. 2004 Sep;59(1):71-4. doi: 10.1023/B:SYPA.0000038444.21384.93.

Abstract

Coprological examination of nine bush vipers Atheris chlorechis imported from Ghana revealed the presence of a new coccidian species belonging to Eimeria Schneider, 1875. Thin walled oöcysts of Eimeria atheridis n. sp. are spherical to slightly subspherical, 22.8 (19-26) x 22.5 (19-25) microm, without micropyle, polar granule and oöcyst residuum. Sporocysts are elongately ellipsoidal, 17.1 (15-19) x 7.5 (6-8) microm, with a dome like, relatively flat Stieda body. Sporozoites possess two refractile bodies and distinct transversal striation. Based on the presence of a Stieda body the species described herein clearly belongs to the Eimeria ( sensu stricto ).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Eimeria / ultrastructure*
  • Feces
  • Ghana
  • Microscopy, Interference
  • Oocysts / ultrastructure
  • Viperidae / parasitology*