Abstract
Faecal samples from 17 fan-footed geckoes Ptyodactylus puiseuxi Boutan were examined for coccidian parasites. Five geckoes (29%) were found to be passing oocysts of the genus Isospora Schneider. Comparison with other members of the genus Isospora indicates that the coccidian found represents a new species. Sporulated oocysts of I. ptyodactyli n. sp. are spherical or subspherical, 22.1 (19.0–24.0) × 21.2 (18.0–23.0) µm, with a shape-index (length/width) of 1.04; and a smooth and bilayered oocyst wall, 1.0–1.5 µm thick. A micropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granule are absent. The sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 12.2 (11.0–14.0) × 8.0 (7.5–9.0) µm, with a shape index of 1.5 (1.4–1.9). Stieda and substieda bodies are present, the Stieda body being knob-like and the substieda body spherical to subspherical. A sporocyst residuum is present and composed of numerous granules of different size scattered among the sporozoites. The sporozoites are vermiform, with a slightly granulated surface appearance, and are arranged head to tail within the sporocyst. Most oocysts have still to sporulate when excreted; sporulation was completed within 12 h at 25 °C. Endogenous development occurs inside the nuclei of enterocytes in the small intestine.
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