Extra-intestinal localization of Goussia sp. (Apicomplexa) oocysts in Rana dalmatina (Anura: Ranidae), and the fate of infection after metamorphosis. (1/5)

Although coccidia of the genus Goussia are common parasites of fish, only 2 species have been described in amphibians: G. hyperolisi from common reed frogs Hyperolius viridiflavus from Kenya and G. neglecta from unspecified European water frogs of the genus Rana from Germany. The genus Goussia is characterized by an oocyst, with a fine oocyst wall, containing 4 dizoic sporocysts that are composed of 2 valves joined by a longitudinal suture and lacking a Stieda body (typical for the genus Eimeria). To date, infections in amphibians were generally considered to be specific to the intestine of aquatic larval stages (tadpoles) of anurans. Herein, we report on: (1) the presence of oocysts of Goussia sp. in an extra-intestinal location (liver) of tadpoles of the agile frog R. dalmatina and (2) the presence of oocysts in the liver of both juvenile and subadult R. dalmatina. These observations represent novel traits for Goussia infections in amphibians; they may explain the vertical transmission of Goussia in tadpoles.  (+info)

Ultrastructural aspects of hepatic coccidiosis caused by Goussia lusca n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Coccidia) infecting Trisopterus luscus (Gadidae) from the NE Atlantic Ocean. (2/5)

Goussia lusca n. sp. is described from the liver of pouting Trisopterus luscus from the NE Atlantic Ocean in Ibero-Atlantic Portuguese and Spanish waters. Mature oocysts were 31.7 (28.8 to 35.4) microm in diameter. Each oocyst contained 4 ellipsoidal sporocysts arranged in an aleatory position, and measuring approximately 13.7 x 9.2 microm. Each sporocyst contained 2 sporozoites. Ultrastructurally, the sporocyst wall consisted of a dense inner layer 115 nm thick, transversely striated, regularly intercalated by thin grooves with electron-lucent spaces, and separated from the outer layer by a thin, light (electron-lucent) space. The outer layer was multilamellated and consisted of parallel dense bands alternating with light spaces. These lamellae formed filamentous extensions of the wall. The dehiscence suture, a characteristic feature of the genus, was present in the sporocysts. No external clinical signs were observed in the host fish. Parasites observed in the liver tissue were often enveloped in a yellowish-brown matrix, generally known as 'yellow bodies'. Sometimes sporocysts were observed in direct contact with the liver cells. Parasites in degeneration and aggregations of amylopectin granules were frequently observed surrounded by host inflammatory cells. In severe infections, we observed large agglomerations of oocysts encapsulated by layers of concentrically arranged connective tissue forming large granulomas, which caused significant replacement of the host liver parenchyma by the parasite.  (+info)

Goussia molnarica n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Coccidia) infecting the gut of the freshwater catfish Clarias gariepinus in Egypt. (3/5)

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Isospora coerebae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the bananaquit Coereba flaveola (Passeriformes: Coerebidae) in South America. (4/5)

The present study describes a new isosporoid coccidian parasite from the bananaquit Coereba flaveola, in Brazil. This new species is similar to I. cagasebi, but it can be distinguished by the size and shape of Stieda and susbstieda bodies. Isospora coerebae n. sp. oocysts are spheroidal to sub-spheroidal, 24.8 x 23.3 mum, with a smooth and bi-layered wall, ~1.2 mum. Micropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are elongate ovoidal, 17.9 x 10.9 mum. Stieda and substieda bodies are present. Sporocyst residuum is present and sporozoites have a posterior refractile body.  (+info)

A new species of Caryospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the flathead snake, Tantilla gracilis (Ophidia: Colubridae), in southeastern Oklahoma. (5/5)

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