Eimeria livialis sp.n. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the domestic pigeon, Columba livia domestica in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Eimeria livialis sp.n. is described from the intestine of the domestic pigeon, Columba livia domestica (Columbiformes: Columbidae) from Riyadh, central region, Saudi Arabia. Sporulated oocysts are elongate ellipsoid, 21 x 15 (19.5-23.2 x 14.3 - 16.5) microm, with a smooth, greenish-yellow bilayered wall, 1.2 (1.0-1.3) microm. Micropyle and polar granule are absent. An oocyst residuum is present, consisting of 4-7 globules that are irregular in shape and size. The sporocysts are ellipsoid, 10.6 x 6.7 (9.5 - 11.7 x 6.2-8.1) microm, with a smooth single-layered wall and a small nipple-like Stieda body, but no apparent substieda body. The sporocyst residuum composed of few scattered granules. The Sporozoites are elongate, lie head-to-tail in the sporocysts, each with a small anterior and a large posterior refractile body.