Incidence and prevalence of Eimeria infection among the hedgehog, Hemiechinus auritus in Yemen

ABSTRACT

Fecal samples of ten hedgehogs, Hemiechinus auritus from Taiz Governorate, Yemen were examined for coccidian parasites. Four [40%] were infected with Eimeria spp. Comparison of oocyst's criteria with other species of Eimeria indicated a new eimerian, E. yeminii n.sp. besides the previously described species, E. auriti Mirza, 1970 reported in Iraq. Oocysts of E. yeminii n.sp. are ovoidal to ellipsoidal, measuring 30x24.5 micro m [27-36x20-28]. The outer boundary is bilayered with a light reddish colour and perforated by a micro-pyle. Oocyst residuum and polar granules are present. Sporocysts are spherical in shape 10 x7.5 micro m [11-12.2x10-11.2] with granular residuum and Stieda body. Sporozoites are elongate, lying length-wise to the sporocyst long axis. Sporulation takes place within 3-4 days at - 26°C. E. auriti Mirza, 1970 is characterized by subspherical oocysts measuring 20 x 17 [22-26x16-19.5] micro m, a micropyle and oocyst residuum. The oocyst wall is bilayered, smooth and greenish in colour. Sporocysts are subspherical, measuring 9.0x8.3 [8.5-1 x7.5-8] micro m with granular residuum and Stieda body. Fully sporulated oocysts are observed within 48 h at - 26°C