New species of Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from rodents from the Ruwenzori Mountains, Uganda

Abstract

Three new species of Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) are described from rodents of the Ruwenzori Mountains, Uganda. Oocysts of Eimeria livingstonei n.sp., found in Lophuromys flavopunctatus Thomas, 1888, are spindle-shaped, 19.6 (17.0–22.0) × 13.6 (12.5–15.0) µm, with a bilayered, moderately rough oocyst wall. An oocyst residuum is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, with a flat Stieda body. Oocysts of Eimeria stanleyi n.sp. found in Otomys denti Thomas, 1906, are cylindrical and brownish, 26.9 (26.0–28.0) × 14.3 (12.0–15.0) µm; a polar granule is present and oocyst residuum absent. The oocyst wall is thick, unilayered, with a roughened surface. Sporocysts are broadly ellipsoidal and contain sporozoites with distinct refractile bodies. The oocysts of Eimeria spekei n.sp. were found in Otomys denti Thomas, 1906, and are ellipsoidal to cylindrical and unpigmented, 18.9 (18.0–20.0) × 10.8 (10.5–12.0) µm, with a smooth and unilayered oocyst wall. Sporocysts are broadly ellipsoidal with sporozoites with distinct refractile bodies. Eimeria livingstonei, E. stanleyi and E. spekei represent the first coccidian species described from Lophuromys flavopunctatus and Otomys denti.