New Species Of Isospora Research Articles

A New Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Dark-Eyed Junco, Junco hyemalis (L.) (Passeriformes: Passerellidae), in West-Central Arkansas, USA.

Many passeriform birds are excellent hosts of coccidian parasites but little is known of the coccidians infecting members of the family Passerellidae, particularly from the dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis (Linnaeus, 1758). Here, we report from morphometric and mensural data a new species of Isospora from J. hyemalis in Arkansas, USA. During November 2020, seven adult J. hyemalis were taken with a mist net from Polk County, Arkansas, USA, and their faecal samples examined for coccidian parasites. Samples were placed in individual vials containing aqueous potassium dichromate. They were examined for coccidia after flotation in Sheather's sugar solution, measured, and photographed. A single J. hyemalis (14%) was found to be passing a new species of Isospora. Oöcysts of Isospora pittmani n. sp. were spheroidal to subspheroidal with a smooth bi-layered wall, measured (L × W) 24.8 × 23.8µm, and had a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.04; a micropyle and oöcyst residuum was absent but typically one to up to four polar granule(s) was present. Sporocysts are ovoidal to ellipsoidal and measured 15.0 × 10.0µm, L/W 1.5; a flattened Stieda body was present as well as a barely discernible sub-Stieda body but para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum was composed of various-sized granules dispersed between and across the sporozoites. A spheroidal to ellipsoidal posterior refractile body and spheroidal anterior refractile body occasionally seen, but a nucleus was not observed.Only two previous isosporans have been reported from passerellid birds and the new species can readily be distinguished from them. This is the first coccidian reported from J. hyemalis and, more importantly, the first isosporan known from any member of the family Passerellidae in North America.

A new isosporan (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from barn swallow, Hirundo rustica (Aves: Passeriformes: Hirundinidae: Hirundininae), in Oklahoma, USA.

Compared to other commonly examined passerine birds for coccidian (Apicomplexa) parasites, little is available on the coccidia of birds of the family Hirundinidae, including barn swallows (Hirundo rustica). Feces was collected in May 2022 from two nesting H. rustica in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, USA; the samples contained oöcysts representing a new species of Isospora. Oöcysts of Isospora zimmermani n. sp. are subspheroidal to ovoidal with a smooth bi-layered wall, measure (L × W) 22.8 × 20.8 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.1; a micropyle and oöcyst residuum were absent but polar granule(s) are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal to ovoidal and measure 15.2 × 9.6 µm, L/W 1.6; a knob-like Stieda body and a rounded sub-Stieda body are present. The sporocyst residuum is composed of compact spheroid with a dense, irregular mass of finer granules lying between and dispersed among the sporozoites. The new species represents only the second isosporan reported from H. rustica but the first from the USA, and fourth species documented from the avian family Hirundinidae. This article was registered in the Official Register of Zoological Nomenclature (ZooBank) as urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1F1E71C3-56E8-4EA7-A9B0-1E585FAA9DE0.

A New Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Carolina Wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus (Passeriformes: Certhioidea: Troglodytidae), in Southeastern Oklahoma, USA.

Nothing is known of the coccidian parasites of the Carolina wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus (Latham, 1790). Here, we report a new species of Isospora from T. l. ludovicianus from Oklahoma, USA. Faecal samples were collected between September and December 2021 from five adult T. l. ludovicianus taken with a mist net from McCurtain County, Oklahoma, USA, and examined for coccidian parasites. Samples were placed in individual vials containing aqueous potassium dichromate. They were examined for coccidia after flotation in Sheather's sugar solution, measured, and photographed. Tissue samples from the intestine of a single positive bird were removed and placed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin for examination of coccidian endogenous stages. A single Carolina wren (20%) was found to be passing a new species of Isospora. Oocysts of Isospora edwardwilsoni n. sp. were subspheroidal to ovoidal with a smooth bi-layered wall, measured (L × W) 23.8 × 20.3µm, and had a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.2; a micropyle and oocyst residuum was absent but typically one to up to four polar granule(s) was present. Sporocysts are ovoidal to ellipsoidal and measured 15.3 × 9.7µm, L/W 1.6; a knob-like Stieda body was present as well as a distinct rounded sub-Stieda body. The sporocyst residuum was composed of various-sized granules in a compact irregular mass or dispersed between and across the sporozoite, or a combination of both within the same sporocyst. Information is also presented on the endogenous development of this coccidian. This is the first coccidian reported from T. l. ludovicianus and, more importantly, the first known from the members of the family Troglodytidae in North America.

The First Isospora Species (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) Described from the Northern Yellow-Shafted Flicker (Colaptes auratus luteus) in Ontario, Canada.

Members of the genus Isospora commonly infect a wide variety of wild birds. By combining morphometric and genetic data, we are able to differentiate and describe a new apicomplexan parasite, Isospora picoflavae n. sp., from the Northern Yellow-shafted Flicker (Colaptes auratus luteus) in Ontario, Canada. Unsporulated oocysts were observed in intestinal contents obtained during necropsy; these oocysts completed exogenous sporulation within 7days at room temperature. Complete nuclear 18S rDNA and complete mitochondrial genome sequences were obtained from this previously undescribed Isospora sp. to compare with related coccidia. Sporulated oocysts were subspherical in shape measuring an average of 22.7 × 21.7μm (n = 53; mean shape index 1.05) containing a near-spherical polar granule. Sporocysts were ovoidal to ellipsoidal in shape, measuring an average size of 17.0 × 10.5μm (n = 9; mean shape index 1.62). Sporocyst residuum was concentrated in an irregular, spherical mass in the middle of each sporocyst. The isolated oocysts differed morphologically from other Isospora species reported to infect members of the family Picidae. Based on phylogenetic analyses using either combined nuclear 18S rDNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences or complete mitochondrial genome sequences, this Isospora sp. n. isolated from the Northern Flicker grouped within a clade containing Isospora species described from various passeriform hosts. Based on combined morphological and molecular data, the oocysts found in the gastrointestinal contents of Colaptes auratus luteus represent a new species of Isospora named herein as Isospora picoflavae n. sp.

A new species of Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Carolina chickadee (Passeriformes: Paridae), from Oklahoma, USA.

The Carolina chickadee, Poecile carolinensis Audubon is a relatively small songbird belonging to the tit and chickadee family Paridae. Feces from three P. carolinensis from Polk County, Arkansas, USA, and a single P. carolinensis in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, USA, were collected and examined for coccidia; the latter bird was found to be passing a new species of Isospora. Oöcysts of Isospora oklahomaensis n. sp. are subspheroidal to ovoidal with a smooth to slightly-pitted bi-layered wall, measure (L × W) 32.1 × 28.3 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.1; a micropyle and oöcyst residuum were absent but a bilobed and refractile polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal and measure 18.4 × 11.8 µm, L/W 1.6; a prominent Stieda body is present as well as a distinct sub-Stieda body. The sporocyst residuum is composed of an irregular mass of granules lying between and dispersed among the sporozoites. This is the first coccidian described from the Carolina chickadee and, most importantly, only the second described from a member of the Paridae, worldwide.

Morphological and molecular description of a new species of Isospora (Apicomplexa) from a New Holland honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae).

A new Isospora species is described from New Holland honeyeaters (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae). Sporulated oocysts (n=25) were characterised as subspheroidal, 29-32×28-31 (29.8×29.4); length/width (L/W) ratio 1.01-1.02 (1.01). Wall bi-layered, 1.3-1.6 (1.5) thick, outer layer smooth, c.2/3 of total thickness. Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent, but usually two polar granules are present. Sporocysts (n=25) ovoidal, 18-19×12-14 (18.4×12.3); L/W ratio 1.42-1.53 (1.50). Stieda body present, flattened, c.0.5 deep × 2.5 wide; sub-Stieda present, rounded, c.2.5 deep × 3.5 wide; para-Stieda body absent; sporocyst residuum present, usually a distinctly irregular body consisting of numerous small granules that appear to be membrane-bound. Sporozoites vermiform, with robust anterior and posterior refractile bodies. Molecular characterization was conducted at the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial (mt) cytochrome oxidase (COI) loci. Phylogenetic analysis of genomic 18S and mt COI sequences indicated that Isospora phylidonyrisae n. sp. was genetically similar to Isospora coronoideae, isolated from an Australian raven (Corvus coronoides) in Western Australia, with a 99.3% and 98.4% homology, respectively. The 28S rRNA sequence was most similar to Isospora anthochaerae (KF766053) and Isospora manorinae (KT224381), both with a 98.2% genetic similarity. Based on morphological and genetic data, this isolate is a new species of Isospora, which is named Isospora phylidonyrisae n. sp. after its host.

A New Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Summer Tanager, Piranga rubra (Aves: Passeriformes: Cardinalidae), in Oklahoma.

The summer tanager, Piranga rubra (L., 1758) is a medium-sized songbird formerly belonging to the tanager family Thraupidae but now has been placed within the family Cardinalidae. Nothing is known about the coccidian parasites of this stunningly colorful bird. Feces from 2 P. rubra found dead in McCurtain County, Oklahoma were collected and examined for coccidia; 1 was found to be passing a new species of Isospora. Oocysts of Isospora mccurtainensis n. sp. are subspheroidal to ovoidal with a smooth bilayered wall, measure (length × width [L × W]) 21.7 × 19.5 μm, and have a L/W ratio of 1.1; a micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent but a bilobed and refractile polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal and measure 13.9 × 8.6 μm, L/W 1.6; a knoblike Stieda body is present as well as a distinct sub-Stieda body. The sporocyst residuum is composed of a granular compact cluster with a dense, irregular mass of granules lying between and dispersed among the sporozoites. This is the first coccidian reported from P. rubra and, most important, only the first known from the Cardinalidae in the mainland of the United States.

Isospora coronoideae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Australian raven (Corvus coronoides) (Passeriformes: Corvidae) (Linnaeus, 1758) in Western Australia.

A new Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) species is described from an Australian raven (Corvus coronoides) in Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts (n = 21) are ovoid, 21.2 (18.4-23.9) μm in length and 18.8 (16.9-20.6) μm in width, with a shape index of 1.13. The bi-layered oocyst wall is smooth and colourless, 1.2μm thick. A polar granule and oocyst residuum is present, but the micropyle is absent. The sporocysts are ovoid-shaped, 16.3 (13.7-18.9) × 10.7 (8.4-12.9) μm, with a shape index (length/width) of 1.52. Stieda and substieda bodies are present, the Stieda body being small and hemidome-shaped and the substieda being indistinct. Each sporocyst with four vermiform sporozoites arranged head to tail. The sporozoites are crescent-shaped, 9.0 (8.9-9.2) × 2.7 (2.3-3.0) μm, with a shape index (length/width) of 3.33. The sporocyst residuum is present. The isolated oocysts had different morphological characteristics when compared with all known Isospora spp. The coccidian parasite was analysed at the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) loci. At the 18S locus, I. coronoideae n. sp. exhibited 98.9% similarity to I. neochmiae from a captive-bred red-browed finch (KT224380) and Isospora sp. from domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) (AB757860), 98.5% similarity to I. gryphoni (AF080613) from an American goldfinch and 98.3% similarity to I. manorinae (KT224379) from a yellow-throated miner. At the 28S locus, it exhibited 95.4% and 94.8% similarity to I. manorinae (KT224381) and I. anthochaerae (KF766053), respectively. At the COI locus, it exhibited 99.8% and 99.7% similarity to I. butcherae (KY801687) and I. neochmiae (KT224378), respectively. Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species of Isospora, which is named Isospora coronoideae n. sp. after its host, the Australian raven (Corvus coronoides) (Passeriformes: Corvidae) (Linnaeus, 1758).

Morphological and molecular characterisation of Isospora butcherae n. sp. in a silvereye (Zosterops lateralis) (Latham, 1801).

A new Isospora (Apicomplexa:Eimeriidae) species is described from a silvereye (Zosterops lateralis) in Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts of this species are spherical, 24.2 (23.1-25.2) × 23.3 (22.8-23.9) μm, with a shape index (length/width) of 1.02, and with a smooth bi-layered oocyst wall, 1.2μm thick (outer layer 0.9μm, inner 0.3μm). A polar granule is present, but the oocyst residuum and a micropyle are absent. The ovoid-shaped sporocysts are 16.1 (15.7-17.3) × 10.5 (15.7-17.3) μm and have a shape index of 1.53. A hemidome-shaped Stieda and a rectangular-shaped substieda body are present. A sporocyst residuum is present and composed of numerous granules of different sizes scattered among the sporozoites. The oocysts from this isolate are morphologically different from those of all known Isospora spp. This coccidian parasite was molecularly characterised at the 18S, 28S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) gene. At the 18S locus, based on 1210bp of sequence, this new isolate exhibited 99.9, 99.8, 99.7 and 99.5% similarity to I. sp. MAH-2013a (KF648870) from a superb starling (Lamprotornis superbus) in Canada, I. sp. MS-2003 (AY33157) from a Southern cape sparrow (Plocepasser mahali) in America, I. sp. Tokyo (AB75786) from Japan and I. sp. respectively. Further analysis of a subgroup of 300bp long 18S sequences (n = 11), including I. anthochaerae and the other three Isospora characterised from birds in Western Australia, revealed that I. butcherae n. sp. exhibited 98.3% similarity to both I. sp. MAH-2013a (KF648870) and I. MS-2003 (AY33171). At the 28S locus, this new isolate exhibited 97.3% similarity with I. sp. MS-2003 from a California towhee (Melozone crissalis). At the COI locus, this new isolate exhibited 99.8% similarity to I. neochmiae from a red-browed finch. Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species of Isospora, which is named Isospora butcherae n. sp. after Mrs. June Butcher for her lifelong dedication as a wildlife rehabilitator. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Isospora lunaris n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the domestic Java sparrow in Japan

Five individuals of the domestic Java sparrows, Lonchura oryzivora (Aves: Estrildidae), were examined for coccidian parasites. Sporulated oocysts had two sporocysts containing four sporozoites each. Sporulated oocysts (n=30) were spherical, with a two splinter-like polar granules. Oocyst size was 22.1×20.7 (20.0–25.0×20.0–22.5)μm. They had a thick wall that consisted of a pale yellow outer layer and a dark yellow inner layer, and lacked micropyle and residuum. Sporocysts (n=60) were elongated ovoid 14.1×9.8 (12.5–15.0×7.5–10.0)μm, smooth walled, and colorless, with crescent-shaped Stieda and indistinct substieda bodies. Sporocyst residuum was interspersed between sporozoites. Sporozoites were oriented transverse to the sporocyst longitudinal axis. On the basis of morphological data, the species isolated in the present study is a new species of Isospora and propose the name Isospora lunaris n. sp.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Isospora neochmiae n. sp. in a captive-bred red-browed finch (Neochmia temporalis) (Latham, 1802)

A new Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) species is described from a single red-browed finch (Neochmia temporalis) (subspecies N. temporalis temporalis), that was part of a captive population in Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts of this isolate are spherical, 18.3 (18.2–18.9) × 18.2 (18.2–18.6) μm, with a shape index (length/width) of 1.0; and a smooth and bilayered oocyst wall, 1.2 μm thick (outer layer 0.9 μm, inner 0.3 μm). A polar granule is present, but the oocyst residuum and a micropyle are absent. The sporocysts are ovoid-shaped, 13.3 (9.5–16.4) × 8.6 (6.8–10.0) μm, with a shape index of 1.5. An indistinct Stieda body is present, but the substieda body is absent. A sporocyst residuum is present and composed of numerous granules of different size scattered among the sporozoites. Morphologically, the oocysts from this isolate are different from those of all known valid Isospora spp. Molecular analysis was conducted at 4 loci; the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) gene and the heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) gene. At the 18S locus, this new isolate exhibited 99.9%, 99.8%, 99.7%, and 99.5% similarity to I. sp. MAH-2013a from a superb starling (Lamprotornis superbus), I. MS-2003 from a Southern cape sparrow (Passer melanurus), I. sp. Tokyo from a domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) and I. MS-2003 from a Surinam crested oropendula (Psarocolius decumanus). At the 28S locus, this new isolate exhibited 99.7% similarity to both an Isospora sp (MS-2003) from a Northern house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and an Isospora sp. (MS-2003) from a Southern cape sparrow. At the COI locus, this new isolate exhibited 98.9% similarity to an Isospora sp. ex Apodemus flavicollis. At the hsp70 locus, this new isolate exhibited 99% similarity to isolate MS-2003 (AY283879) from a wattled starling (Creatophora cinerea). Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species of Isospora, which is named Isospora neochmiae n. sp. after its host, the red-browed finch (Neochmia temporalis).

Morphological and molecular characterization of Isospora manorinae n. sp. in a yellow-throated miner (Manorina flavigula wayensis) (Gould, 1840)

A new Isospora (Apicomplexa:Eimeriidae) species is described from a single yellow-throated miner bird (Manorina flavigula) (subspecies M. f. wayensis) in Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts (n = 32) of this isolate are spherical to subspherical, 22.8 (20.3–23.8) × 18.3 (17.7–18.7) μm, with a shape index (length/width) of 1.25 (1.2–1.3); and a smooth and bilayered oocyst wall, 1.3 μm thick (outer layer 0.9 μm, inner 0.4 μm). A polar granule is present, but the micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. The sporocysts are lemon-shaped, 15.5 (14.6–15.8) × 9.5 (9.5–10.2) μm, with a shape index of 1.6. Stieda and substieda bodies are present, the Stieda body being knob-like and the substieda body being subspherical-shaped. A sporocyst residuum is present and composed of numerous granules of different size scattered among the sporozoites, a spheroid or subspheroid refractile body is present in the sporozoite. Morphologically, the oocysts from this isolate are different from those of all known valid Isospora spp. Molecular analysis was conducted at 3 loci; the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) gene. At the 18S locus, this new isolate exhibited 99.2% similarity to Isospora gryphoni and three other Isospora spp. Further analysis of a subgroup of 300 bp long 18S sequences (8), including Isospora anthochaerae was conducted. This new isolate grouped in a clade with I. anthochaerae and exhibited 99.3% similarity. At the 28S locus, this new isolate grouped with I. anthochaerae with which it shared 99.1% similarity. At the COI locus, this new isolate exhibited 96.8% similarity to Isospora sp. JCI-2015 from a spectacled warbler (Sylvia conspicillata) in Spain. Further analysis from a subgroup of shorter COI sequences (n = 13) was performed and this new isolate exhibited 99.1% similarity to I. anthochaerae. Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species of Isospora, which is named Isospora manorinae n. sp. after its host, the yellow-throated miner (Manorina flavigula wayensis).

Isospora serinuse n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from a domestic canary (Serinus canaria forma domestica) (Passeriformes: Fringillidae) in Western Australia

A new species, Isospora serinuse n. sp., (Apicomplexa:Eimeriidae) is described from a single domestic canary (Serinus canaria forma domestica) (subspecies S. c. domestica) in Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora serinuse n. sp. are spherical or subspherical, 25.5 (24.4–27.0) × 23.5 (22.0–24.8) μm, with a shape index (length/width) of 1.09; and a smooth bilayered oocyst wall, 1.2 μm thick (outer layer 0.9 μm, inner 0.3 μm). A polar granule is present, but a micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. The sporocysts are lemon-shaped, 18.9 (17.8–20.2) × 11.8 (10.6–13.0) μm, with a shape index of 1.6. Stieda and substieda bodies are present, the Stieda body being a small crescent shape and the substieda being indistinct. Each sporocyst with four vermiform sporozoites arranged head to tail. A sporocyst residuum is present and composed of numerous granules of different sizes that are scattered among the sporozoites. Morphologically, the oocysts of Isospora serinuse n. sp. were different from those of all known valid Isospora spp. Molecular analysis was conducted at 3 loci: the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA and two separate regions of subunit I of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) gene (designated COIa and COIb). At the 18S locus, Isospora serinuse n. sp. exhibited 97.5% similarity to Isospora sp. Tokyo from a domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) in Japan. At the 28S locus, I. serinuse n. sp. exhibited 94.9% similarity to Isospora anthochaerae n. sp. from a red wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata) in Australia. At the COIa locus, I. serinuse n. sp. exhibited 95.7% similarity to Isospora sospora sp. ex Apodemus flavicollis from a yellow-necked mouse and Isospora gryphoni from an American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) respectively. At the COIb locus, I. serinuse n. sp. exhibited 96.7% similarity to an Isospora (iSAT4) from a European pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca). Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species of Isospora, which is named Isospora serinuse n. sp. after its host, the domestic canary (S. canaria forma domestica).

Isospora streperae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from a grey currawong (Strepera versicolour plumbea) (Passeriformes: Artamidae) in Western Australia

A new species, Isospora streperae n. sp., (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described from a single grey currawong bird (Strepera versicolour) (subspecies S. v. plumbea) in Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts (n = 32) are spherical to subspherical, with smooth colourless bilayered oocyst wall, 1.0 µm thick (outer layer 0⋅8 µm, inner 0.2 µm thick). Oocyst with a polar granule, an oocyst residuum and two spheroidal to subspheroidal sporocysts. Oocyst length, 23.8 (20.4–25.0) µm; oocyst width, 22.5 (20.0–24.6) µm; a shape index of 1.06, with Stieda, substieda bodies. Micropyle is absent. Sporocysts with compressed sporocyst residuum and four sporozoites. Sporocyst length, 14.4 (12.5–15.2) µm; sporocyst width, 11.2 (10.6–14.0) µm, sporocyst L/W ratio, 1.29. Necropsy of the bird identified haemorrhaging along the ileum and jejunum, which is where Isospora oocysts were also mostly detected. Molecular analysis was conducted at three loci; the 18S, 28S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) gene. At the 18S locus, I. streperae n. sp. exhibited 99.5% and 99.4% similarity respectively to an Isospora sp. (MS-2003) from a Southern cape sparrow (Passer melanurus melanurus) and Isospora dovati from a domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica). At the 28S locus, I. streperae n. sp. exhibited 96.9% similarity to an Isospora sp. (MS-2003) from a grosbeak starling (Scissirostrum dubium) and 95.8% similarity with the Isospora sp. (MS-2003) from a Southern cape sparrow. At the COI locus, I. streperae n. sp. exhibited 95.0% similarity to Isospora sp. from a yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) from the Czech Republic. Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species of Isospora, which is named Isospora streperae n. sp. after its host, the grey currawong (Strepera versicolour plumbea).

A new species of Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from eastern coachwhip, Coluber flagellum flagellum (Reptilia: Ophidia) from Oklahoma.

Between June 2013 and August 2014, four eastern coachwhips, Coluber flagellum flagellum were collected from Arkansas (n = 2) and Oklahoma (n = 2) and their faeces examined for coccidian parasites. One (25%) harboured an isosporan that we describe here as new. Oocysts of Isospora kiamichiensis sp. n. were spheroidal to subspheroidal with a uni-layered wall and measured (length × width, L × W) 25.0 × 22.2 μm, with an L/W ratio of 1.1. A micropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granule were absent. Sporocysts were ovoidal, 13.9 × 9.4 μm, with an L/W ratio of 1.5. A pronounced, button-like Stieda body was present as well as a substieda body. A sporocyst residuum was present as dispersed granules. This is the first isosporan and fourth coccidian reported from eastern coachwhip snakes. In addition, a single oocyst of an unknown choleoeimerian was recovered from this host.

Isospora troglodytes n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), a new coccidian species from wrens of Costa Rica

Nineteen (91%) of 21 rufous-and-white wrens (Thryothorus rufalbus) and five (71%) of seven plain wrens (Cantorchilus modestus) sampled from Costa Rica were positive for a new species of Isospora. Oocysts have a thin, smooth, double, colorless wall and measure 20.1 ± 1.4 × 23.4 ± 1.5 μm (18-24 × 20-26 μm) with an average length-width ratio of 1.2 μm. Sporocysts are ovoid, measure 9.5 ± 0.9 × 15.5 ± 1.1 μm (7-12 × 12-18 μm) with an average length-width ratio of 1.6 μm. A nipple-like steida body continuous with the sporocyst wall and a prominent oval-shaped substeida body are present. In addition to the four sporozoites, a single compact sporocyst residuum was present in each sporocyst. This is the first description of an Isospora species from the family Troglodytidae and the first report of Isospora from the rufous-and-white wren and plain wren.

A New Isospora Species of Passerines in the Family Turdidae from Costa Rica

Seven thrush species (Turdidae) from Costa Rica were examined for intestinal parasites; 21 of the 84 (25%) birds sampled were positive for a new species of Isospora. Oocysts of Isospora zorzali n. sp. have thin, smooth, double, and colorless walls; they measure 19.7 ± 1.5 µm × 18.6 ± 1.4 µm (16-24 µm × 15-21 µm), with an average length-width ratio of 1.1 µm. Sporocysts are ovoid, measure 8.5 ± 1.1 µm × 14.5 ± 1.7 µm (7-11 µm × 11-18 µm) with an average length-width ratio of 1.7 µm. A nipple-like stieda body continuous with the sporocyst wall is present, but no substieda body was observed. A sporocyst residuum consisting of large equal sized granules was observed either clumped together or diffusely. The sporocysts fill the entire oocysts with little to no open space observed. This is the first report of Isospora species from any of the sampled host species and also the first report from any species of thrush in Costa Rica.

New Species of Isospora from the Blue-Crowned Motmot (Momotus momota) from Costa Rica

Two (33.3%) of 6 blue-crowned motmots (Momotus momota) sampled from Costa Rica were positive for a new species of Isospora. Oocysts of Isospora momotana n. sp. have a double, thick, yellow to orange, 2.3 microm +/- 0.5 microm (2-3 microm) wall, contain 1 to 3 globular polar granules (1-4 microm), are ovoid with heavy pitting on the outer surface, and measure 29.4 +/- 2.3 x 27.5 +/- 2.3 (25-33 x 23-31) with an average length:width ratio of 1.1 (1.0-1.35). Sporocysts are ovoid, contain a residuum composed of large, equal-sized granules, and measure 19.4 +/- 1.3 x 12.2 +/- 1.1 (16-22 x 10-14) with an average length:width ratio of 1.6 (1.2-1.91). A small rounded stieda body, continuous with the sporocyst wall, and a prominent triangular substieda body are present. A second Isospora species was observed in 1 bird, but because only a few oocysts were present, a full description is not provided. This is the first report of coccidia from a motmot (Momotidae) and only the third Ispospora species described from the Coraciiformes.

The endogenous development of four new species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Australian geckos.

Four new species of Isospora are described from Australian geckoes. Isospora gehyrae n. sp. from Gehyra cf. variegata in South Australia have 18.5-22.5 x 17.5-20.0 microm oöcysts with 10.0-12.5 x 7.5-9.0 microm sporocysts; endogenous stages develop in the host cell cytoplasm. Of the two species found in Heteronotia binoei from northern Queensland, Isospora cytoheteronotis n. sp., with oöcysts of 20.0-26.0 x 17.5-25.0 microm and sporocysts of 10.0-13.5 x 7.5-11.5 microm, undergoes endogenous development in its host cell cytoplasm, whereas I. nucleoheteronotis n. sp., with oöcysts of 17.5-22.5 x 17.5-21.5 microm and sporocysts of 9.0-12.5 x 6.5-10.0 microm, develops in the host cell nucleus. I. oedurae n. sp. from Oedura rhombifer in northern Queensland has oöcysts of 22.5-25.0 x 22.5-24.0 microm and sporocysts of 12.5-14.0 x 7.5-11.5 microm, and undergoes endogenous development in its host cell nuclei.

The endogenous development of two new species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Thai geckoes

Two new species of Isospora are described from Thai geckoes. I. platyurusi n. sp. in Cosymbotus platyurus from Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen and I. uptoni n. sp. in Hemidactylus frenatus from Chiang Mai. Oocysts of I. platyurusi are spherical to subspherical, 19–22.5 × 16.5–21.5 μm and have two ovoid sporocysts of 11.5–14 × 7.5–9 μm. Oocysts of I. uptoni are spherical to subspherical, 24–31.5 × 20–27.5 μm and have two ovoid sporocysts of 12.5–15 × 9–11.5 μm. Both species have sporocysts with Stieda bodies and undergo endogenous development in the nucleus of the host gut epithelial cells. On the completion of merogony and gamogony, the host nucleus is reduced to a thin envelope.