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We document morphological descriptions for 3 newly described Eimeria spp. That infect springbok ntidorcas marsupialis. Eimeria antidorcasi n. Sp. oocysts are ovoid, with average size n = 346 26.2 × 18.8 19.2-33.5 × 13.1-26.5 μm, a length/width ratio of 1.4 .2-2.0, a micropyle, and a polar granule sometimes present. Sporocysts are ovoid n = 336, 11.3 × 7.3 6.0-14.6 × 5.2-9.8 μm, with a length/width ratio of 1.5 1.1-2.0, a Stieda body, a prominent, ovoid sporocyst residuum, and one refractile body per sporozoite. Eimeria versfeldi n. Sp. oocysts are ellipsoid n = 136, 38.9 × 26.6 27.8-48.2 × 21.2-31.0 μm, with a length/width ratio of 1.5 1.2-2.0, a micropyle cap with sub-micropylar material, and 2-4 polar granules. Sporocysts are elongate-ovoid n = 132, 18.3 × 9.2 13.2-22.8 × 6.8-11.2 μm, with a length/width ratio of 2.0 1.3-2.5, a Stieda body, a small sporocyst residuum present, and an evident nucleus and two refractile bodies per sporozoite. Eimeria gasawayi n. Sp. oocysts are subspheroid n = 87, 14.8 × 13.6 11.5-20.0 × 11.1-18.2 μm, with a length/width ratio of 1.1 1.0-1.2 and no micropyle. Sporocysts are elongate-ovoid n = 82, 9.0 × 4.6 5.5-12.5 × 3.6-6.4 μm, with a length/width ratio of 2.0 1.3-2.4, a small Stieda body, and an irregularly shaped sporocyst residuum present. These are the first Eimeria spp. described from springbok.

Abstract Canine babesiosis is a common, highly virulent disease in Southern Africa with even pups and juveniles being severely affected. This contrasts with bovine babesiosis, for example, where host, parasite and vector co-evolved and young animals develop immunity after infection without showing clinical signs. Babesia rossi, the main causative organism of canine babesiosis in sub-Saharan Africa, was first described from a side-striped jackal (Canis adustus) in Kenya. Although data are meagre, there is evidence that indigenous African canids, such as jackals and wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), can harbour the parasite without showing untoward effects. Dogs are not indigenous to Africa. The vast majority of dogs presented at veterinary facilities in South Africa represent recently introduced European, Asian or American breeds. The contention is that B. rossi is a new challenge to which these dogs have not adapted. With intensive treatment of clinical cases, natural selection is effectively negated and the status quo will probably be maintained indefinitely. It is postulated that Babesia vogeli, which frequently results in unapparent infections or mild manifestations in dogs, represents or is closely related to the ancestral form of the canine parasite, possibly originating from wolves (Canis lupus).

Background: Domestic dogs are not native to sub-Saharan Africa, which may account for their susceptibility to Babesia rossi, of which endemic black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) are natural reservoirs. There is virtually no information on the occurrence of potentially pathogenic haemogregarines (e.g. Hepatozoon canis) or even rickettsial bacteria (e.g. Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp.) in indigenous canids in sub-Saharan Africa. Such organisms could pose a risk to domestic dogs, as well as to populations of endangered indigenous canid species. Results: Genomic DNA extracted from blood samples taken from 126 free-ranging and 16 captive black-backed jackals was subjected to reverse line blot (RLB) hybridization assay; 82 (57.8%) specimens reacted only with the Ehrlichia/Anaplasma genera-specific probe. Full-length bacterial 16S rRNA gene of five of these specimens was cloned and the recombinants sequenced. The ten 16S rDNA sequences obtained were most closely related, with approximately 99% identity, to Anaplasma sp. South African Dog, various uncultured Anaplasma spp., as well as various Anaplasma phagocytophilum genotypes. Ninety-one specimens were screened for haemogregarines through PCR amplification using the 18S rRNA gene; 20 (21.9%) specimens reacted positively, of which 14 (15.4%) were confirmed positive for Hepatozoon genotypes from within H. canis. Two (2.2%) specimens were found positive for two different Hepatozoon genotypes. Conclusions: Sequence analyses confirmed the presence of 16S rDNA sequences closely related to A. phagocytophilum and Anaplasma sp. South African Dog as well as two H. canis genotypes in both free-ranging and captive black-backed jackals. Distinguishing between closely related lineages may provide insight into differences in pathogenicity and virulence of various Anaplasma and H. canis genotypes. By building up a more comprehensive understanding of the range and diversity of the bacteria and eukaryotic organisms (piroplasms and haemogregarines) in the blood of indigenous canids, we may gain insight to such infections in these often-endangered species and the potential for horizontal transmission to and from domestic dogs via ticks where favourable conditions exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]