Eimeria khobahensis sp. n. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from guinea fowl, Numida meleagris in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Eimeria khobahensis sp.n. is described from the intestine of the guinea fowl, Numida meleagris (Galliformes: Phasianidae) collected at and around Khobah area near the Southern borders of Saudi Arabia. Sporulated oocysts are ellipsoid, 25 x 19.4 (23.3-27.6 x 17.8-20.6) microm, with a smooth, greenish-yellow bi-layered wall 1.9 (1.5-2.4) microm. Micropyle and polar granule are present. An oocyst residuum is present, consisting of several globules that are irregular in shapes and sizes. Sporocysts are ellipsoid, 13.5 x 7.5 (11.9-14.2 x 6.7-8.8) microm, with a smooth single-layered wall and a prominent Stieda body, but no apparent substieda body. The sporocyst residuum is present, composed of numerous small granules. Sporozoites are comma-shaped, 10 x 3 (8-11 x 2.6-3.8) microm, each contains two refractile bodies.