The coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) of Crocodylia, with descriptions of two new species from Alligator mississippiensis (Reptilia: Alligatoridae) from Texas
McAllister, C.T.; Upton, S.J.
Journal of Parasitology 76(3): 332-336
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-3395
DOI: 10.2307/3282660
Accession: 002244194
During early September 1989, fecal and intestinal contents were collected from 30 American alligators, Alligator mississippiensis, in southern Texas. Twenty (67%) of the alligators harbored coccidia and 2 new species of Eimeria are described. Oocysts of Eimeria alligatori n. sp. were found in 15 of 30 (50%) alligators and are ellipsoid, 25.3 .times. 20.0 (22-31 .times. 18-22) .mu.m; shape index 1.3 (1.1-1.6). A spheroid oocyst residuum and polar granule are present, but a micropyle is absent. Sporocysts are elongate-ovoid, 14.3 .times. 8.1 (12-15 .times. 7-9) .mu.m; shape index 1.8 (1.6-2.1). An ovoid sporocyst residuum and slightly pointed Stieda body are present, but a substieda body is absent. Oocysts of Eimeria hatcheri n. sp. were found in 14 of 30 (47%) alligators and are spheroid or subspheroid, 16.1 .times. 13.7 (12-18 .times. 12-15) .mu.m; shape index 1.2 (1.0-1.4). A subspheroid oocyst residuum and 1 (rarely 2) polar granule(s) is present, but a micropyle is absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoid, 10.5 .times. 5.8 (10-13 .times. 5-6) .mu.m; shape index 1.8 (1.5-2.1). A spheroid-subspheroid sporocyst residuum and a minute Stieda body are present, but a substieda body is absent. Nearly one-half of the A. mississippiensis had multiple infections of both eimerians. A summary of the coccidia (Eimeriidae) of Crocodylia is presented.