new coccidian parasite [Apicomplexa: eimeriidae] from the scimitar-horned oryx, oryx dammah

ABSTRACT

Oocysts of Eimeria oryzae sp. n. were described from the feces of the scimitar-horned oryx, Oryx dammah [Cretzschmar, 1826]. Sporulated oocysts were ellipsoid in shape measuring 20.9 x 17.1 [16.7-24.2 x 15.5-20.2] mum with smooth brownish-yellow double layered wall. Micropyle and ellipsoidal polar granules were present, but micropyler cap and oocyst residuum were absent. The sporocysts were ovoid reaching 10.0 x 5.7 [9.2-11.0 x 5.2-6.5] mum with Stieda body and sporocyst residuum. Sporozoites were elongated, each with large and small refractile body