Eimeria lokuma n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), a new coccidium from the African helmeted turtle Pelomedusa subrufa (Lacépède) (Testudines: Pelomedusidae)

Coprological examination of nine African helmeted turtles Pelomedusa subrufa from Kenya revealed the presence of a new coccidium belonging to Eimeria Schneider, 1875. Oocysts of Eimeria lokuma n. sp. are spherical to sub-spherical, 13.6 (13–14.5) × 13 (12–14) \(\upmu\)m, lack a micropyle and a polar granule, but possess a granular oocyst residuum. The sporocysts are elongate, oval to spindle-shaped and 8.3 (7.5–9.5) × 4.4 (4–5) \(\upmu\)m. The Stieda body is relatively low, flat and wide, and covered with a membranous, highly flexible, scarf-like structure which protrudes from its strengthened margins. The sporozoites possess two refractile bodies. Based on the presence of a Stieda body, the described species is classified as Eimeria (sensu stricto).