Studies to determine the taxonomic status of Eimeria mitis, Tyzzer 1929 and E. mivati, Edgar and Seibold 1964

Abstract

SUMMARYWe have examined several taxonomic features of a number of strains of Eimeria from many sources world wide. The strains were isolated on the basis of their small spherical (or sub-spherical) oocysts. From a study of mean oocyst dimensions, electrophoretic variation of enzymes, ability to develop in embryonated eggs, absence of gross lesions in heavily infected chickens, and cross-immunity, all the strains were found to belong to one species. For convenience, the parasites when isolated, were referred to as strains of E. mitis/mivati-type, but after characterization they were clearly found to be E. mitis. In contrast, a laboratory strain of E. mivati supplied to one of us (M.W.S.) was found to be a mixture of E. acervulina and E. mitis. Evidence from these and other studies supports the notion that E. mivati is a nomina dubia.