Isospora ptyodactyli n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), a new coccidian parasite of the fan-footed gecko Ptyodactylus puiseuxi Boutan, 1893 (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Jordan

Abstract

Faecal samples from 17 fan-footed geckoes Ptyodactylus puiseuxi Boutan were examined for coccidian parasites. Five geckoes (29%) were found to be passing ocysts of the genus Isospora Schneider. Comparison with other members of the genus Isospora indicates that the coccidian found represents a new species. Sporulated ocysts of I. ptyodactyli n. sp. are spherical or subspherical, 22.1 (19.0–24.0) 21.2 (18.0–23.0) m, with a shape-index (length/width) of 1.04; and a smooth and bilayered ocyst wall, 1.0–1.5 m thick. A micropyle, ocyst residuum and polar granule are absent. The sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 12.2 (11.0–14.0) 8.0 (7.5–9.0) m, with a shape index of 1.5 (1.4–1.9). Stieda and substieda bodies are present, the Stieda body being knob-like and the substieda body spherical to subspherical. A sporocyst residuum is present and composed of numerous granules of different size scattered among the sporozoites. The sporozoites are vermiform, with a slightly granulated surface appearance, and are arranged head to tail within the sporocyst. Most ocysts have still to sporulate when excreted; sporulation was completed within 12 h at 25 C. Endogenous development occurs inside the nuclei of enterocytes in the small intestine.