1. Cross-transmission studies with Eimeria arizonensis-like oocysts (Apicomplexa) in New World rodents of the Genera baiomys, Neotoma, Onychomys, Peromyscus, and Reithrodontomys (Muridae).
- Author
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Upton SJ, McAllister CT, Brillhart DB, Duszynski DW, and Wash CD
- Subjects
- Animals, Coccidiosis parasitology, Coccidiosis transmission, Eimeria classification, Eimeria ultrastructure, Rodent Diseases transmission, Species Specificity, Coccidiosis veterinary, Eimeria physiology, Muridae parasitology, Peromyscus parasitology, Rodent Diseases parasitology
- Abstract
Cross-transmission experiments were performed using oocysts of an Eimeria arizonensis-like coccidian from Peromyscus leucopus and Peromyscus truei, an E. arizonensis-like coccidian from Reithrodontomys fulvescens, Eimeria baiomysis and Eimeria taylori from Baiomys taylori, Eimeria albigulae from Neotoma albigula, and Eimeria onychomysis from Onychomys spp., between representatives of the above host genera. The E. arizonensis-like coccidian from R. fulvescens infected Reithrodontomys megalotis, Reithrodontomys montanus, and Peromyscus leucopus. Oocysts of E. arizonensis from P. leucopus could be transmitted to both P. leucopus and R. megalotus. Oocysts of E. baiomysis and E. taylori infected only B. taylori. Oocysts of E. arizonensis from P. truei infected P. truei but not Neotoma mexicana or Onychomys leucogaster. Oocysts of E. albigulae from N. albigula were infective for N. mexicana but not for P. truei or O. leucogaster. Oocysts of E. onychomysis from Onychomys spp. infected O. leucogaster but not N. mexicana or P. truei. These results demonstrate that Peromyscus and Reithrodontomys, genera known to be related very closely evolutionarily, are capable of sharing E. arizonensis, whereas morphologically similar coccidians (E. albigulae, E. baiomysis, and E. onychomysis) from more distantly related hosts, are probably distinct and more stenoxenous. This also is the first report of coccidians infecting species of Reithrodontomys.
- Published
- 1992