L. Couch et al., A NEW COCCIDIAN FROM ACOMYS-CAHIRINUS DESMAREST, 1819, FROM EVOLUTIONCANYON, LOWER NAHAL OREN, MOUNT CARMEL, ISRAEL, The Journal of parasitology, 83(2), 1997, pp. 276-279
In 1994, fresh fecal samples were collected and examined for coccidian
parasites from 43 spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus) and from 60 wood mice
(Apodemus mystacinus). The 2 genera of rodents inhabit an area in Low
er Nahal Oren, Mount Carmel, Israel, known as Evolution Canyon, which
consists of opposite-facing slopes that are geologically identical, bu
t microclimatically very different. Acomys cahirinus is found primaril
y on the warmer and drier south-facing slope (SFS), whereas A. mystaci
nus primarily inhabits the cooler and wetter north-facing slope (NFS).
None of the samples from the A. mystacinus contained coccidia, but 6
of 43 (14%) A. cahirinus individuals were discharging eimerian oocysts
that we describe herein as a new species. Five of the 6 positive samp
les were from the SFS. Sporulated oocysts are ovoidal to subspheroidal
, 26.5 x 22.9 (21-29 x 19-26) mu m, without a micropyle, but with an o
ocyst residuum of 1 to several large clear globules and a medium-sized
refractile polar body; they contain lemon-shaped sporocysts, 10.4 x 8
.1 (10-11 x 7-10)) mu m, with a sporocyst residuum and Stieda body, bu
t no sub-/or parastieda body. Sporozoites lie side by side, completely
filling oocysts; each contains a large posterior refractile body.