Predominance of Blastocystis sp. subtype 4 in rural communities, Nepal

Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal parasite. To date, there have been sporadic and scanty studies on Blastocystis sp. carried out in rural communities in Nepal. We surveyed the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and its possible associated risk factors, and reported the predominant Blastocystis sp. subtype in two rural communities, Bolde Phediche and Bahunipati, in Nepal. Human faecal samples were collected from 241 participants, cultured using in vitro cultivation and examined for Blastocystis sp. The presence of Blastocystis sp. in faecal samples was further confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequently genotyped using subtype-specific sequence tagged site (STS) primers. There were 26.1% (63/241) of the participants that were infected by Blastocystis sp. We detected 84.1% (53/63) of Blastocystis sp. subtype 4 infections in these rural communities. The unusually high prevalence of Blastocystis sp. subtype 4 can be attributed to the rearing of family-owned animals in barns built close to their houses. Eighty one percent (51/63) of the Blastocystis sp. infected participants drank not boiled or unfiltered water. The present study revealed that Blastocystis sp. could pose a health concern to the communities and travellers to the hilly area in Nepal. Infection may be transmitted through human-to-human, zoonotic and waterborne transmissions. We provide recommendations to ensure good public health practices.     

New records of endoparasites infecting <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hypsiboas albopunctatus</Emphasis> (Anura: Hylidae) in a savanna area in Brasília,Brazil

Seventy specimens of Hypsiboas albopunctatus (Anura: Hylidae) were collected and surveyed for endoparasites in Brasília, Brazil at the end of the rainy season (February and March) in 2005. Sixteen males (22.86%) were infected by Rhabdias sp., Aplectana sp., Cosmocerca sp., and Falcaustra mascula. Rhabdias sp., a lung parasite, presented the highest prevalence (8.57%), mean intensity of infestation (1.333), and mean abundance (0.114). Moreover, this is the first report of a rhabdiasid nematode in the Hylidae in Brazil. The intestinal parasites, Cosmocerca sp. and Aplectana sp., had a similar prevalence (5.71%), but the former presented a higher mean intensity of infestation and mean abundance. The behavior and food habits of amphibians are responsible for the differences in their helminthofauna, and this study presents four new records of nematodes in H. albopunctatus.     

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in shelter dogs and cats in the metropolitan area of Barcelona (Spain)

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs and cats in Barcelona and surrounding areas was studied by analyzing 505 faecal samples of dogs and 50 of cats using a formol-ether diphasic method for helminths, a modified acid-fast technique for Cryptosporidium and other coccidian oocysts, and the Heindenhein technique for Giardia and Entamoeba trophozoites and cysts. Parasites were found in 26.9% of dogs and 34.0% of cats. Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium sp., coccidian oocysts and Entamoeba sp. were detected in both dogs and cats. Taenia sp., Dipylidium caninum, Ancylostoma caninum, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis and Uncinaria sp. were also found in dogs but only Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Toxocara cati in cats. There was a significant relationship for G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium sp. with seasonality and for G. duodenalis with geographical origin in dogs. Significant differences were also found for T. canis between stray and domestic dogs and for T. vulpis between males and females.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Thelohania parastaci</Emphasis> sp. nov. (Microspora: Thelohaniidae), a parasite of the Australian freshwater crayfish,<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Cherax destructor</Emphasis> (Decapoda: Parastacidae)

Thelohania parastaci sp. nov. infects the Australian freshwater crayfish, Cherax destructor. Data on morphology, developmental patterns and sequences from the small subunit (SSU) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of T. parastaci sp. nov. are described. The ultrastructural features of different life cycle stages are very similar to those of the European crayfish parasite Thelohania contejeani. T. parastaci sp. nov. exhibits simultaneous dimorphic sporogony in muscle tissue. Meronts, sporonts and spores are found in muscle tissue, within haemocytes in the hepatopancreas, and in the intestinal wall of infected crayfish. T. parastaci sp. nov. shows 92% sequence identity with T. contejeani and only 67% sequence identity with the fire ant pathogen T. solenopsae, when SSU rDNA sequences are compared. Analysis of SSU rDNA and ITS sequences of T. parastaci sp. nov. from crayfish from Victoria, Western Australia, and New South Wales indicate that the parasite has a wide geographical distribution in Australia.     

A new xenoma-forming microsporidium infecting intestinal tract of Atlantic bluefin tuna (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Thunnus thynnus</Emphasis>)

An undescribed species of Microsporidia Balbiani, 1882 was isolated from the muscularis mucosa of the intestinal mucosa of the reared Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus). Transmission electron microscopy showed that the pyriform unikaryotic microsporidium, measuring 3.6 μm ± 0.08 in length and 1.8 μm ± 0.04 in width (inferred from TEM sections), had two layers of 14–17 coils of polar filament and a robust manubrium of the filament. No developmental stages were observed in xenoma. Phylogenetic analysis of the small subunit rRNA showed closest similarity with Kabatana spp. (88.4%), clustering the microsporidium together in a sister group with K. takedai and Kabatana sp. (JI-2008)/K. newberryi clade. While recognized Kabatana members show ovoid, rounded to pyriform spore, lack of sporophorous vesicle or xenoma, 3–10 coils of polar filament in 1–2 rows and are localized within cytoplasm of trunk muscle, the new species is markedly pyriform, xenoma forming, with many filament coils in 2 rows and parasitizing smooth intestinal muscle. Since morphological features were not typically congruent with any of Kabatana spp. so far described and molecular clustering indicated paraphyletic position within Kabatana clade, we suggest assigning described species to collective group Microsporidia, as Microsporidium milevae sp. nov., until more evidence permits potential formation of the new genus.     

Parasites and vector-borne pathogens of southern plains woodrats (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Neotoma micropus</Emphasis>) from southern Texas

From 2008 to 2010, southern plains woodrats (Neotoma micropus) from southern Texas, were examined for parasites and selected pathogens. Eight helminth species were recovered from 97 woodrats including, Trichuris neotomae from 78 (prevalence = 80%), Ascarops sp. from 42 (43%), Nematodirus neotoma from 31 (32%), Raillietina sp. from nine (9%), Taenia taeniaeformis larvae from eight (8%), and an unidentified spiurid, a Scaphiostomum sp. and a Zonorchis sp. each from a single woodrat. Besnotia neotomofelis was detected in three (3%) woodrats and microfilaria were detected in seven (7%). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of blood samples from 104 woodrats detected a novel Babesia sp. in one (1%) and Hepatozoon sp. in 17 (16%) woodrats. Partial 18S rRNA gene sequence of the Babesia was 94% similar to B. conradae. Histologic examination of tissues detected intestinal coccidia in seven of 104 (7%), Sarcocystis neotomafelis in 26 (25%), Hepatozoon sp. in 21 (20%), and Dunnifilaria meningica in four (4%) woodrats. Three woodrats (5%) were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii. Ectoparasites recovered included fleas (Orchopeas sexdentatus and O. neotomae), ticks (Ixodes woodi and Ornithodoros turicata), mites (Trombicula sp. and Ornithonyssus (Bdellonyssus) bacoti) and bot flies (Cuterebra sp.). The only difference in prevalence related to gender was for N. neotoma (males > females, p = 0.029). Prevalence of T. neotomae and all intestinal parasites combined was significantly higher in adults compared with juveniles (p = 0.0068 and p = 0.0004), respectively. Lesions or clinical signs were associated with Cuterebra and B. neotomofelis. Collectively, these data indicate that woodrats from southern Texas harbor several parasites of veterinary and/or medical importance.     

Cryptosporidium parvum bovine genotype oocysts in the respiratory samples of an AIDS patient: efficacy of treatment with a combination of azithromycin and paromomycin

Cryptosporidium has been recognized as an emerging zoonotic agent of intestinal cryptosporidiosis leading to diarrhea, malabsorption syndrome, and weight loss in AIDS patients. In the present case, oocysts of zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum were detected in the sputum and stool samples of an AIDS patient with a 3-month history of intestinal cryptosporidiosis. The oocysts were detected by modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining; confirmation was achieved by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), targeting the most polymorphic region of the 18S rRNA gene. Genotyping was done by restriction endonuclease digestion of the PCR product. The zoonotic C. parvum bovine genotype was identified in both intestinal and respiratory samples. Treatment with both azithromycin and paromomycin resulted in improvement of both intestinal and respiratory symptoms, as well as the elimination of the parasite. This is the first report of the identification of Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts in the respiratory samples obtained from an AIDS patient in Iran. Pulmonary cryptosporidiosis should be considered whenever an AIDS patient with intestinal cryptosporidiosis develops respiratory symptoms.     

Parasite community interactions: Trypanosoma cruzi and intestinal helminths infecting wild golden lion tamarins Leontopithecus rosalia and golden-headed lion tamarins L. chrysomelas (Callitrichidae, L., 1766)

The parasite prevalence and infection intensity in primate wild populations can be affected by many variables linked to host and/or parasite ecology or either to interparasite competition/mutualism. In this study, we tested how host sex, age, and place of origin, as well parasitic concomitant infections affect the structure of golden lion and golden-headed lion tamarins parasite community, considering Trypanosoma cruzi and intestinal helminths infection in these primates. A total of 206 tamarins from two Atlantic Coastal rain forest areas in Brazil were tested during 4 years for prevalence of T. cruzi infection and helminth prevalence. Three intestinal helminth groups showed high prevalences in both tamarin species: Prosthenorchis sp., Spiruridae, and Trichostrongylidae. An association between presence of T. cruzi infection and higher intestinal helminth prevalence was found in both tamarin species. Two explanations for this association seem to be plausible: (1) lower helminth-linked mortality rates in T. cruzi-infected tamarins and (2) lower elimination rates of helminths in such tamarins. A higher frequency of T. cruzi-positive blood cultures was significantly correlated to female tamarins and to the presence of Trichostrongylidae infection. The possibility of an increase in the transmissibility of T. cruzi and the three analyzed helminths in lion tamarins with concomitant infections is discussed. An erratum to this article can be found at     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Litomosoides pardinasi</Emphasis> n. sp. (Nematoda,Onchocercidae) from two species of cricetid rodents in northern Patagonia,Argentina

Seventy-seven cricetid rodents, corresponding to six different species, deposited at the Mammal Collection at Centro Nacional Patagónico, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, were examined for parasites. Litomosoides pardinasi n. sp. is described parasitizing the pleural and abdominal cavities of Phyllotis xanthopygus (Phyllotini) and the abdominal cavity of Oligoryzomys longicaudatus (Oryzomynii) in the northern Patagonia, Argentina. The new species is included in the carinii group, characterized by the presence of a right spicule with a dorsal heel and a terminal cap well cuticularized; left spicule composed with a handle longer or as long as the blade, and the blade constituted by a cuticularized distal filament. Litomosoides pardinasi n. sp. possesses a buccal capsule tubular with an anterior enlargement, and a smooth cavity; four labial and two dorsal cephalic papillae; vulva posterior to the esophagus–intestinal junction; male tail with three to five pairs of symmetric postcloacal papillae; female tail slender; vagina globular and small. This is the first record for a filarioid in a Phyllotini rodent and the southernmost record of any filarioid species worldwide.     

Differential response of two species of the cyanobacterium Anabaena to ultraviolet (UV-C) irradiation

Ultraviolet sensitivity of two different species of Anabaena, Anabaena doliolum and Anabaena sp. was studied. These two species differ in their pigment composition; A. doliolum showed predominance of phycocyanin whereas Anabaena sp. showed predominance of phycoerythrin pigments. Survival of the two species were different after exposure to different doses of UV (λ_mot 254 nm) irradiation; Anabaena sp. was more resistant to higher UV dose than A. doliolum. In both species the UV induced damage was partially repaired by white fluorescent light. A. doliolum showed a lower rate of photorecovery than Anabaena sp., Higher UV dose (20 min) induced production of a non-nitrogen fixing strain of A. doliolum and a pigment mutant lacking phycoerythrin of Anabaena sp.     

Gastrointestinal and ectoparasites from urban stray dogs in Fortaleza (Brazil): high infection risk for humans?

Dogs are important definite or reservoir hosts for zoonotic parasites. However, only few studies on the prevalence of intestinal parasites in urban areas in Brazil are available. We performed a comprehensive study on parasites of stray dogs in a Brazilian metropolitan area. We included 46 stray dogs caught in the urban areas of Fortaleza (northeast Brazil). After euthanization, dogs were autopsied. Ectoparasites were collected, and the intestinal content of dogs were examined for the presence of parasites. Faecal samples were collected and analysed using merthiolate iodine formaldehyde concentration method. A total of nine different parasite species were found, including five endoparasite (one protozoan, one cestode and three nematode species) and four ectoparasite species (two flea, one louse and one tick species). In the intestinal content, 3,162 specimens of four helminth species were found: Ancylostoma caninum (prevalence, 95.7%), Dipylidium caninum (45.7%), Toxocara canis (8.7%) and Trichuris vulpis (4.3%). A total of 394 ectoparasite specimens were identified, including Rhipicephalus sanguineus (prevalence, 100.0%), Heterodoxus spiniger (67.4%), Ctenocephalides canis (39.1%) and Ctenocephalides felis (17.4%). In the faeces, intestinal parasites were detected in 38 stray dogs (82.6%), including oocysts of Giardia sp. (2.2%) and eggs of the nematode A. caninum (82.6%). Neither eggs nor larval stages of D. caninum, T. canis or T. vulpis were detected in dog faeces. Sensitivity of faecal examination for A. caninum was 86.4% (95% confidence interval, 72.0–94.3) but zero percentage for the other intestinal helminth species. Our data show that stray dogs in northeast Brazil carry a multitude of zoonotic ecto- and endoparasites, posing a considerable risk for humans. With the exception of A. caninum, sensitivity of faecal examination was negligible.     

Zystizerkose der Kreuzbeinwirbel bei Antilopen und Taenia olngojinei sp. nov. der Tüpfelhyäne

Zusammenfassung Es wird über das Vorkommen von großblasigen Zystizerken im Epiduralraum des Wirbelkanals der Kreuzbeinknochen bei Antilopen der Unterfamilie Alcelaphinae im Serengetigebiet in Tanzania berichtet. Biologische Erwägungen ließen die adulte Form des Parasiten unter den im Dünndarm der Hyäne (Crocuta crocuta) schmarotzenden Bandwürmern vermuten. Dabei wurde eine bisher nicht bekannte Taenienart, T. olngojinei sp. nov., gefunden, die in der vorliegenden Arbeit beschrieben wird. Vergleichende Untersuchungen der Rostellumhaken der sich im Kreuzbeinknochen von Antilopen ansiedelnden Zystizerken mit den Rostellumhaken von T. olngojinei sp. nov. lassen erkennen, daß es sich bei den Kreuzbeinzystizerken um die Larvenstadien des neuen Bandwurmes handelt.

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Cysticercosis of the sacrum bone of antelopes and Taenia olngojinei sp. nov. of the spotted hyaena

Summary Large bladderworms were found in the epidural space of the sacrum bone of antelopes of the sub-family Alcelaphinae in the Serengeti, Tanzania. Biological-ecological considerations indicated that the adult tapeworm of this cysticercus would be parasitizing the hyaena. During the subsequent investigation of the intestinal parasites of the spotted haena (Crocuta crocuta), a new species of tapeworm was recovered, and was described as Taenia olngojinei sp. nov. Comparative studies of the rostellum hooklets of the cysticerci in the sacrum bone of antelopes and of T. olngojinei sp. nov. clearly indicated that the bladderworms were the larval stages of the newly described tapeworm.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Blastocystis</Emphasis> sp. subtype 5: a possibly zoonotic genotype

Blastocystis has a widespread distribution in a variety of animals, which is a potential source of infection for humans. Previous studies show that Blastocystis sp. subtypes 1–4, 6, and 7 were composed of isolates from humans and animals, while Blastocystis sp. subtype 5 included only pig and cattle isolates. A more recent study on the basis of the SSU rDNA sequence has showed that a single Blastocystis isolate amplified directly from the faeces of a Thai human belongs to Blastocystis sp. subtype 5, but that study failed to cultivate this isolate. We report herein two human isolates from in vitro cultures belonging to Blastocystis sp. subtype 5 and one human isolate from in vitro culture containing two distinct genotypes of Blastocystis sp. subtypes 3 and 5 using PCR amplification with seven kinds of sequence-tagged site (STS) primers. Additionally, 16 Blastocystis isolates from pigs living in the same rural area with the three humans infected Blastocystis sp. subtype 5 were also genotyped by PCR with the STS primers, and all isolates from pigs and humans were compared by small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) restriction-fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses using two restriction endonucleases (HinfI and RsaI). The results indicated that all of the isolates from pigs showed Blastocystis sp. subtype 5 and the RFLP patterns of all of the isolates from humans except for the mixed one were identical or quite similar to those of the 16 pig isolates with both HinfI and RsaI enzymes. These findings provide additional molecular-based evidence supporting the zoonotic potential of Blastocystis sp. subtype 5. This study also showed that Blastocystis sp. subtype 3 overgrew Blastocystis sp. subtype 5 in vitro.     

Larval <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hysterothylacium</Emphasis> sp. (Nematoda,Anisakidae) and trematode metacercariae from the amphipod <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paracorophium excavatum</Emphasis> (Corphiidae) in New Zealand

Previously undescribed fourth-stage larvae of anisakid nematodes were found in the haemocoel of the amphipod Paracorophium excavatum (Thomson, 1884) (Corophiidae) in New Zealand. Morphological examination by light microscopy showed that the worms belonged to a species of Hysterothylacium Ward et Magath, 1917, based on several characters including the presence of interlabia, the location of the excretory pore posterior to the nerve ring, and the characteristics of the intestinal caecum and ventricular appendix. Interestingly, several male specimens showed precocious sexual development. This is the first record of fourth larval stage and precocious adult male specimens of Hysterothylacium in an invertebrate host, as well as the first record of anisakid larvae in New Zealand crustaceans. In addition, metacercariae of two trematode species, Coitocaecum parvum and Microphallus sp., are recorded for the first time from the amphipod P. excavatum.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Alloglossidium fonti</Emphasis> sp. nov. (Digenea,Macroderoididae) from black bullheads in Minnesota with molecular differentiation from congeners and resurrection of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alloglossidium kenti</Emphasis>

Alloglossidium fonti sp. nov. is described based on specimens from black bullheads (Ameiurus melas) collected from several localities in northwestern Minnesota. The new species is morphologically closest to A. corti and A. geminum. These two species were also found in the same region as A. fonti sp. nov. and sometimes in the same individual fish. Examination of numerous genetically marked specimens has demonstrated that the most reliable distinguishing feature among the three species is the position of anterior margin of the vitelline fields. In the new species they are situated at the level of anterior margin of ventral sucker while in A. corti it is at the level of intestinal bifurcation or even further anteriorly, and in A. geminum it is at the level of posterior margin of ventral sucker or further posteriorly. The new species has a relatively smaller cirrus sac than A. geminum. Despite rather minor, albeit stable morphological differences, the molecular data strongly supported the status of A. fonti sp. nov. as a new species. Moreover, molecular data and morphological examination of new material suggested that A. kenti, earlier synonymized with A. corti, is a valid species that is resurrected here. Comparison of 2420 base long sequences of nuclear rDNA (partial 18S, complete ITS region, and partial 28S) obtained from multiple specimens of all 4 species collected in Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska and Mississippi, showed essentially no intraspecific variability (except for 1 base difference in the ITS2 region of A. fonti sp. nov.), but has demonstrated pronounced interspecific differences. The new species was not found in the four examined catfish species from the Red River of the North (on the border between North Dakota and Minnesota) and neighbouring North Dakota.     

Monostephanostomum yamagutii sp. nov. (Trematoda: Acanthocolpidae) — Intestinal Parasite of a Lethrinid Fish from the Red Sea

Monostephanostomum yamagutii sp. nov. is described taken from the intestine ofLethrinus mahsena caught in the coastal waters of Al-Ghardaga, Red Sea.M. yamagutii sp. nov. is the second species of the genus and differs from the type species of the genus mainly in having vitellaria on both body sides, posterior to the ventral sucker and not meeting anteriorly or posteriorly, separate intestinal caeca not joining the excretory vesicle, small eggs, and a much larger pharynx. It is also characterized by the short extension of the cirrus sac.This research was undertaken by the author while the recipient of a post doctoral scholarship in the Harold W. Manter Laboratory, Division of Parasitology, University of Nebraska State Museum, University of Nebraska, Lincoln 68508     

Two new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cameronia</Emphasis> Basir, 1948 (Oxyurida,Thelastomatoidea, Thelastomatidae) from Manipur,North-East India

During a survey of insect nematodes from Manipur, two new species of nematodes parasitic in the hindgut of mole cricket Gryllotalpa africana were recovered. The two new species are designated as Cameronia triovata sp. nov. and Cameronia manipurensis sp. nov. C. triovata sp. nov. is characterized by presence of three eggs which are fused on lateral sides by ridges and furrows and presence of polar egg filaments while in C. manipurensis sp. nov., the eggs are more than five in one group and attached simply one upon another. A comparative measurement chart (see Table I) as well as key to the species of Cameronia have been provided. The diagnosis of the genus has been emended in order to accommodate the two new species.     

Isospora svecica sp. n. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), a new species of coccidium from the white-spotted bluethroat Luscinia svecica cyanecula (Aves: Passeriformes: Muscicapidae)

Using a combination of morphological and molecular data, we describe a new apicomplexan parasite, Isospora svecica sp. n., from the white-spotted bluethroat, Luscinia svecica cyanecula, from the Czech Republic. Oocysts were found in its intestinal tract. Sporulation was exogenous and took 1–3 days. The oocysts were slightly ellipsoidal, of average size 26.17 × 20.33 μm, with a smooth bilayered wall. Micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granules were absent. Sporocysts were bottle-shaped, of an average size of 18.82 × 8.82 μm, with a thin, colourless wall. A conspicuous knob-like Stieda body was present. Substieda body was barely visible. Sporocyst residuum was present in the form of granules of various sizes. Sporozoites were banana-shaped and contained large anterior and small posterior refractile bodies. Partial DNA sequences of three genes were obtained from oocysts of Isospora svecica sp. n., being most closely related to other isosporans described from passerines. Little is known about the parasites of the avian family Muscicapidae, including coccidia, a highly prevalent parasitic protist group in all vertebrate classes. Only six species of the genus Isospora have so far been described in Muscicapidae, together with several “Isospora sp.” that in fact most likely represent Isospora lacazei. The newly described Isospora svecica sp. n. differs morphologically from other coccidia reported from muscicapid birds, and represents the first coccidian species described from Luscinia svecica.

     

Eimeria spp. in captive-reared corncrakes (Crex crex): results of a GeneScan assay consistent with high prevalence of infection and extra-intestinal life stages

Eimeria crecis and Eimeria nenei have been detected in association with enteric disease (“coccidiosis”) in the corncrake (Crex crex: Family Rallidae, Order Gruiformes). Both parasite species are common in apparently healthy free-living corncrakes, but captive-bred juvenile birds reared for reintroduction appeared particularly susceptible to clinical coccidiosis. We investigated the occurrence and relative pathogenicity of these Eimeria species in this juvenile corncrake population and developed a diagnostic species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for their identification. PCR amplification and sequencing of 18S rDNA were performed on genomic DNA extracted from samples of corncrake intestine, liver and spleen. Sequences generated were used to design a GeneScan diagnostic PCR assay targeting a species-specific TTA indel located within the 18S rDNA – the results suggested this assay was more sensitive than the 18S rDNA/amplicon sequencing approach. Eimeria sp. DNA (consistent with Eimeria sp. infection) was detected at a high prevalence and E. crecis was the predominant species. Each Eimeria species was detected in cases with and without histological evidence of coccidiosis: parasite detection was not statistically associated with disease. In addition to intestinal tissue, liver and spleen samples were positive for Eimeria sp. DNA. Its detection in tissues other than intestine is unusual and a novel finding in corncrakes, although extra-intestinal infection occurs with closely related Eimeria species in cranes (Family Gruidae, Order Gruiformes). Eimeria sp. infection of corncrakes appears typically to be chronic, and to exhibit extra-intestinal spread: as in cranes, these characteristics may be adaptations to the host’s migratory nature.     

Small‐intestinal cryptosporidiosis in a young pigeon

Small‐intestinal cryptosporidiosis in a 10‐day‐old pet pigeon is described. Clinically, the pigeon was depressed and inactive, its feathers were ruffled, and had faecal material adhering to feathers around its vent. Gross lesions were seen only in the intestinal tract and consisted of mild hyperaemic segments of small intestine distended with typical green watery ingesta. Histologically, organisms of the Cryptosporidium sp. were found in the villi of lower portions of the small intestine which were atrophic and misshapen. Spontaneously occurring intestinal cryptosporidiosis has not been previously reported in pigeons.