Echis carinatus [Serpentes: Viperidae] as a new host for Caryospora maxima [Apicomplexa: eimeriidae] in Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

This study represented a new host and geographic location for the parasite Caryospora maxima. Sporulated oocysts of this coccidian are spherical to sub-spherical, 42.8 X 41.2 [40.3-45.9 X 39.6-43.8] mum, with smooth brownish-yellow bi-layered wall, 1.9 [1.5-2.3] mum thickness. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. Some oocysts had a small polar granule. Sporocysts are broadly ellipsoid, 22.1 X 16.8 [21.0-23.3 x 15.5-17.4]mum, with a prominent stieda and sub- stieda bodies. Sporocyst residuum is present consisting of many granules in a compact mass. Sporozoites are banana-shaped, each with two refractile globules. Oocyst measurements were similar to those reported from Psammophis schokari in Jordan. Except for the presence of a spherical polar granule, the oocyst morphology was identical to the original description of C. maxima