Eimeria capricornis n.sp., E. nihonis n.sp., E. naganoensis n.sp., and E. kamoshika n.sp. (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) from the Japanese serow, Capricornis crispus.

Abstract

Eimeria capricornis n.sp., E. nihonis n.sp., E. naganoensis n.sp. and E. kamoshika n.sp. were detected from the Japanese serow, Capricornis crispus. The oocysts of these species were ovoid to ellipsoid, measuring 48.02 +/- 0.53 x 33.93 +/- 0.35 microns, 29.73 +/- 0.45 x 21.01 +/- 0.29 microns, 20.04 +/- 0.05 x 15.77 +/- 0.04 microns and 30.02 +/- 4.24 x 14.58 +/- 2.03 micron, respectively. In all the species the micropyle was observed, but the micropylar cap and oocyst residuum were not present. The polar granules were observed in the oocysts of E. capricornis. The sporocysts of the above species were spherical to elongate ovoid, measuring 15-23 x 8-13 microns, 14-16 x 7-10 microns, 11-13 x 6-8 microns and 8-10 x 6-7 microns, and the sporulation time was 6, 3, 3 and 6 days, respectively. The sporocyst residuum and refractile body were seen in all the species. In the sporocysts of E. naganoensis and E. kamoshika tiny Stieda body was seen, but not in the other two species. These four Eimeria species were not infective to goats.