Couch L, Blaustein L, Duszynski D W, Shenbrot G, Nevo E
Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque 87131, USA.
J Parasitol. 1997 Apr;83(2):276-9.
In 1994, fresh fecal samples were collected and examined for coccidian parasites from 43 spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus) and from 60 wood mice (Apodemus mystacinus). The 2 genera of rodents inhabit an area in Lower Nahal Oren. Mount Carmel, Israel, known as Evolution Canyon, which consists of opposite-facing slopes that are geologically identical, but micro-climatically very different. Acomys cahirinus is found primarily on the warmer and drier south-facing slope (SFS), whereas A. mystacinus primarily inhabits the cooler and wetter north-facing slope (NFS). None of the samples from the A. mystacinus contained coccidia, but 6 of 43 (14%) A. cahirinus individuals were discharging eimerian oocysts that we describe herein as a new species. Five of the 6 positive samples were from the SFS. Sporulated oocysts are ovoidal to subspheroidal, 26.5 x 22.9 (21-29 x 19-26) microns, without a micropyle, but with an oocyst residuum of 1 to several large clear globules and a medium-sized refractile polar body; they contain lemon-shaped sporocysts, 10.4 x 8.1 (10 11 x 7-10) microns, with a sporocyst residuum and Stieda body, but no sub-/or parastieda body. Sporozoites lie side by side, completely filling oocysts; each contains a large posterior refractile body.
1994年，采集了43只刺毛鼠（Acomys cahirinus）和60只林姬鼠（Apodemus mystacinus）的新鲜粪便样本，检测其中的球虫寄生虫。这两种啮齿动物栖息在以色列卡梅尔山纳哈尔奥伦下游的一个区域，该区域被称为进化峡谷，由地质条件相同但小气候差异很大的相对坡面组成。刺毛鼠主要分布在温暖干燥的南坡（SFS），而林姬鼠主要栖息在凉爽湿润的北坡（NFS）。林姬鼠的样本中均未检测到球虫，但43只刺毛鼠中有6只（14%）排出了艾美耳球虫卵囊，我们在此将其描述为一个新物种。6份阳性样本中有5份来自南坡。孢子化卵囊呈卵圆形至近球形，大小为26.5×22.9（21 - 29×19 - 26）微米，无微孔，但有1至几个大的透明球状物组成的卵囊残体和一个中等大小的折光性极体；卵囊内含有柠檬形孢子囊，大小为10.4×8.1（10 - 11×7 - 10）微米，有孢子囊残体和斯氏体，但无亚斯氏体或副斯氏体。子孢子并排排列，完全充满卵囊；每个子孢子都含有一个大的后部折光体。
