On Eimerla bragancaensis n. sp. (apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) and tissue-cysts of an unidentified protozoan in the bat Peropteryx macrotis (chiroptera: Emballonuridae) from Amazonian Brazil

Abstract

A description is given of the mature oocysts and endogenous stages of Eimeria bragancaensis n. sp., from the small intestine of the bat Peropteryx macrotis from north Brazil. Oocysts are spherical to subspherical, 15.9 × 14.6 pm (range 14-17 × 14-17.7). The wall is of two layers: an outer, thicker one which is of a brownish-yellow colour and striated (pitted), and an inner one which is thin and colourless. The outer layer is frequently lost. No micropyle or oocyst residuum present, but the oocyst usually contains one or two polar bodies. Sporocysts 8.4 × 5.3 μm (range 6.25-9 × 4-6) with inconspicuous Stieda and substiedal bodies. Endogenous stages are intracytoplasmic in the epithelial cells of the small intestine, above the host-cell nucleus. Stages of merogony and gametogony are described. Abundant tissue-cysts of an unidentified protozoan, containing from 1-4 zoites, were found in the parenchyma cells of the liver and, less frequently, in the lamina propria of the small intestine. Their possible nature is discussed.