COCCIDIA 421 



Family 3 Dobelliidae Ikeda 



Numerous microgametes develop from each microgametocyte; 

 union of gametocytes begins early. 



Genus Dobellia Ikeda. Schizonts sexually difTerentiated, micro- 

 schizonts and macroschizonts; young schizonts binucleate; associ- 

 ation of 2 gametocytes begins early as in Adeleidea (p. 428), but 

 many microgametes are formed in each microgametocyte. One 

 species. 



D. hinucleata I. In gut of Petalostoma minutum; mature oocyst 

 20-25m in diameter, with a thin wall, contains some 100 sporo- 

 zoites without any spore membrane around them. 



Family 4 Eimeriidae Leger 



Macro- and micro-gametocytes develop independently; micro- 

 gametocyte produces many gametes; an oocyst from a pair of 

 anisogametes; oocyst with variable number of spores containing 

 1-many sporozoites, which condition is used as basis of generic 

 differentiation. Oocysts as found in faeces of host are usually im- 

 mature; time needed for completion of spore formation depends 

 upon species, temperature, moisture, etc. Becker (1934) recom- 

 mends the following bactericidal solutions in which oocyst may 

 develop to maturity: 1% formaldehyde, 1% chromic acid or 2- 

 4% potassium dichromate. 



Genus Eimeria Schneider {Coccidium Leuckart). Zygote of 

 oocyst develops 4 spores, each with 2 sporozoites. Numerous spe- 

 cies. 



E. schubergi (Schaudinn) (Fig. 188). In gut of Lithohius forfi- 

 catus; oocysts spherical, 22-25ju in diameter. 



E. stiedae (Lindemann) (Coccidium oviforme Leuckart) (Fig. 

 191, d~k). In epithelium of bile-duct and liver (with white nod- 

 ules) of rabbits; heavy infection is believed to be the cause of 

 death of young animals, which may occur in an epidemic form; 

 schizonts ovoid or spherical, 15-18^ in diameter; merozoite 8-10/x 

 long; oocysts ovoid to ellipsoid, often yellowish, micropylar end 

 flattened; mature oocysts 28-40/x by 16-25^^; sporulation in GO- 

 TO hours. 



E. perforans Leuckart (Fig. 191, I, m). In gut of rabbits; patho- 

 genic to host ; oocysts with equally rounded ends, 24-30/i by 14- 

 20m; sporulation in 30-48 hours. 



E. zurni (Rivolta). In gut of cattle; said to be the cause of diar- 



