Isospora lutrae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), a new coccidium from the European otter Lutra lutra (L.) (Carnivora: Mustelidae) from Spain.
Parasitological examination of European otter originating from Extremadura, Spain revealed the presence of a new isosporan species. Oöcysts of Isospora lutrae n. sp. are spherical to subspherical, 31.2 (27.5-32) x 29.6 (28-31) microm and have a smooth wall c. 1 microm thick. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 18.2 (17-19) x 14.4 (14-16) microm and lack Stieda and substieda bodies. A spherical sporocyst residuum is present, consisting of granules scattered among the sporozoites. Sporozoites are spindle-shaped, 12.4 x 2.5 microm and have anterior and posterior refractile bodies. Based on its unique morphologic structure and host, I. lutrae is considered to be new.
Laboratori de Parasitologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.
J
J
Torres
D
D
Modrý
J
J
Fernández
J R
JR
Slapeta
B
B
Koudela
D000818:Animals; D007549:Isospora / Q000145:classification* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure; D021865:Isosporiasis / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D010041:Otters / Q000469:parasitology*; D013030:Spain