A new Species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Sheep (Ovies aries) Dharshiv District (Osmanabad), Maharashtra, India

A new Species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Sheep (Ovies aries) Dharshiv District (Osmanabad), Maharashtra, India | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article A new Species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Sheep (Ovies aries) Dharshiv District (Osmanabad), Maharashtra, India Tejswini Sontakke, Ashwini Biradar, Dinesh Nalage This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8099339/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Revision Version 1 posted 5 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Between June 2013 and May 2015, fecal samples were collected from domestic sheep ( Ovis aries ) in Dharashiv district (Osmanabad), Maharashtra, India, to investigate the diversity of coccidian parasites. Of the 2,911 samples examined, 16 Eimeria species were identified. Here, we describe one previously unrecognized species, Eimeria sameerensis n. sp., from sheep. Oocysts are elongated-oval, bilayered, measuring 35.5 × 27.5 µm with a length/width ratio of 1.29. Both a micropyle and micropylar cap are present, a polar granule occurs, but no oocystic residuum is observed. Sporocysts are elongate ovoid (15.0 × 11.0 µm), with a prominent Stieda body and a compact sporocystic residuum. The new species differs from morphologically related species ( E. ahsata, E. christenseni, E. parbhaniensis ) by the size of oocysts, number of refractile bodies, and form of the Stieda body. This represents the first description of Eimeria sameerensis from Indian sheep and contributes to the understanding of small ruminant coccidia diversity in the region. Eimeria sameerensis n. sp. Ovis aries coccidia Apicomplexa morphology India Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 1. Introduction Coccidiosis, caused by protozoans of the genus Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), is a major gastrointestinal disease affecting domestic livestock worldwide(Sontakke et al., 2023 ). It leads to substantial economic losses through decreased productivity, weight loss, and mortality in young animals(Balicka-Ramisz, 1999 ; Chartier & Paraud, 2012 ; Foreyt, 1990 ; Taylor et al., 2016 ). Sheep are highly susceptible, particularly between 4–6 months of age, when infection can severely impact growth and survival(Jadhav, 2015 ). Most Eimeria species exhibit strict host specificity(Levine, 1985 ) and at least 17 species have been described in sheep globally. In India, studies on Eimeria species have primarily focused on poultry and cattle, while small ruminant coccidia remain underexplored, especially in the Marathwada region(More et al., 2015 ; Nikam & Kanse, 2012 ; Sontakke et al., 2015 ). This study aimed to (i) conduct a faunistic survey of Eimeria species in domestic sheep in Dharshiv district (Osmanabad), Maharashtra, and (ii) describe a novel Eimeria species based on oocyst morphology, morphometrics, and comparison with known congeners. 2. Materials and Methods 2.1 Study area Fieldwork was conducted from July 2013 to June 2015 across Dharshiv district (Osmanabad), Maharashtra, India (18.2070° N, 76.1784° E). Samples were collected from both rural grazing fields and slaughterhouses (Fig. 1 ). 2.2 Sample collection A total of 2911 fecal samples were obtained from sheep. Fresh samples were collected individually, placed in labeled sterile plastic bags, stored at 4°C, and transported to the laboratory within 24 hours. Each sample was examined within five days of collection. 2.3 Oocyst isolation and flotation Approximately 3–5g of feces were suspended in distilled water, sieved through muslin cloth, and centrifuged at 3,000rpm for 10min. The sediment was subjected to flotation in saturated NaCl solution, and positive samples were preserved in 2.5% potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) for sporulation(Sontakke et al., 2021 ). 2.4 Sporulation and examination Oocysts were sporulated in 2.5% K₂Cr₂O₇ at 28–32°C in the dark for up to 7 days. The sporulation process was monitored every 12 h until > 90% of oocysts were fully sporulated. Observations were made under light microscopy (40× and 100×), and measurements were taken using an ocular micrometer. Photomicrographs were captured with a Sony DSC-WX200 camera (18.1 MP) (Eckert et al., 1995 ). 2.5 Identification and morphometrics Identification followed the morphological and morphometric keys, Diagnostic features included oocyst size, shape, wall structure, presence of micropyle and cap, polar granule, oocyst residuum, and sporocyst characteristics (Stieda body, residuum, refractile bodies)(Fayer, 1980 ; Taylor et al., 2016 ; Vercruysse, 1982 ) 3. Results Eimeria sameerensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) 3.1 Description of Eimeria sameerensis n. sp. Type host: Ovis aries (Linnaeus, 1758) Type locality: Dharashiv district (Osmanabad), Maharashtra, India (18.2070° N, 76.1784° E) Prevalence: 2.0% (41 of 2,044 samples from sheep) Sporulation time: 48–72 h Site of infection: Unknown; oocysts recovered from feces Infective stage : Animals become infected by ingesting sporulated oocysts, a hardy, environmentally resistant stage of the parasite passed in feces Host-specific: Like most Eimeria species, it is considered host-specific, meaning it typically completes its life cycle within a single host species, in this case, goats. 3.2 Description of the sporulated oocyst: Oocysts elongated-oval, bilayered (total wall ~1.5 μm thick; outer 1.0 μm smooth, inner 0.5 μm thin); 35.5 × 27.5 μm (range 25.0–46.0 × 20.0–35.0 μm); L/W ratio 1.29 (1.25–1.32). Micropyle and micropylar cap present; cap dome-shaped (4–8 μm wide). Oocystic residuum absent; one distinct polar granule present. 3.3 Sporocyst and sporozoites : Sporocysts elongate-ovoid, 15.0 × 11.0 μm (12.0–18.0 × 9.0–13.0 μm); L/W ratio 1.36 (1.33–1.38). Wall single-layered (~0.4 μm), with a prominent crescent-shaped Stieda body; sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies absent. Sporocyst residuum compact, 3.2 μm in diameter, granular. Each sporocyst contains four elongate sporozoites, each with one anterior and two posterior refractile bodies and a centrally placed nucleus. 3.4 Differential diagnosis: E. sameerensis n. sp. differs from E. ahsata, E. christenseni , and E. parbhniensis in oocyst dimensions, presence of three refractile bodies (vs. two), and the shape of the Stieda body (crescentic vs. small or absent). The sporulation time (48–72 h) is also shorter than those of E. christenseni and E. parbhaniensis (96–120 h) ( Figure 2 & Table 1 ). Table 1. Comparison of morphological features of Eimeria sameerensis n. sp. and related species in sheep (All measurements in µm) Feature E. ahsata E. christenseni E. parbhaniensis E. sameerensis n. sp. Oocyst shape Ellipsoid Ovoid Elongate ovoid Elongate oval Oocyst size 27–42 × 16–25 30–44 × 20–31 29–52 × 22–39 25–46 × 20–35 (mean 35.5 × 27.5) Micropyle 4–9 µm wide 4–9 µm 7–13 µm 4–8 µm Micropylar cap 5–7 µm high 1–5 µm 2–5 µm 1–4 µm Polar granule Variable Absent Present One Oocyst residuum Absent Absent Absent Absent Sporocyst size 11–17 × 5–10 14–24 × 10–17 10–18 × 7–12 12–18 × 9–13 (mean 15 × 11) Stieda body Absent Small Present Prominent Sporocyst residuum Granular Granular Granular Compact, rounded Refractile bodies One small, one large One small, one large One small, one large Two large, one small Sporulation time (h) 60–84 96–120 72–120 48–72 Host Sheep Sheep Sheep Sheep 4. Discussion The present study documents the first record of Eimeria sameerensis n. sp. from sheep in Dharshiv district (Osmanabad), India. The discovery adds to the known diversity of small-ruminant coccidia in the Marathwada region, where previous studies have described E. parva, E. ninakohyakimovae , and E. ahsata (More et al., 2015 ; Sontakke & Nalage, 2021 ). Morphological comparison indicates that E. sameerensis is distinct based on oocyst shape, micropylar structure, and number of refractile globules. High species specificity within Eimeria suggests that E. sameerensis is likely endemic to local sheep populations. Although the site of endogenous development remains unknown, the presence of oocysts in feces confirms intestinal infection. Further molecular characterization using 18S rRNA and COI gene sequencing is required to confirm phylogenetic placement and to resolve relationships among closely related ovine Eimeria species. 5. Conclusions A new species, Eimeria sameerensis n. sp., is described from Ovis aries in Dharsahiv district (Osmanabad), India. The species is morphologically distinct from related taxa based on oocyst and sporocyst structure. These findings highlight the underexplored diversity of Eimeria in Indian small ruminants and underscore the need for integrated morphological and molecular approaches to elucidate species boundaries within the genus. Declarations Ethical approval and consent to participate All fecal samples were collected non-invasively; therefore, ethical approval was not required. Consent for Publication Not Applicable Availability of data and material Not Applicable Competing interests. The authors declare no conflict of interest Funding The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript Acknowledgments The authors thank the local livestock owners for access to sampling sites. We are very thankful to eminent professor S. V. Nikam, Department of Zoology, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad 431004, Maharashtra, India for valuable guidance on coccidian taxonomy, species identification, and confirmation. References Balicka-Ramisz, A. (1999). Studies on coccidiosis in goats in Poland. Veterinary Parasitology , 81 (4), 347–349. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-4017(98)00258-1 Chartier, C., & Paraud, C. (2012). Coccidiosis due to Eimeria in sheep and goats, a review. Small Ruminant Research , 103 (1), 84–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2011.10.022 Eckert, J., Braun, R., & Coudert, P. (1995). Guidelines on techniques in coccidiosis research . Fayer, R. (1980). Epidemiology of protozoan infections: The coccidia. Veterinary Parasitology , 6 (1–3), 75–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-4017(80)90039-4 Foreyt, W. J. (1990). Coccidiosis and Cryptosporidiosis in Sheep and Goats. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice , 6 (3), 655–670. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0749-0720(15)30838-0 Jadhav, B. (2015). Comparative Study of Seasonal Incidence of Chicken Coccidia in Gangapur and Vaijapur Tehsil of Aurangabad District in Maharashtra. Global Journal for Research Analysis , 4 (7), 10–11. Levine, N. D. (1985). Veterinary protozoology (illustrated ed.). Iowa State University Press, Ames. More, B. V., Lokhande, S. C., & Nikam, S. V. (2015). OBSERVATION OF EIMERIA PARVA IN GOAT AND SHEEP FROM BEED, M.S., INDIA. International Journal of Recent Scientific Research , 6 (3), 3076–3079. Nikam, S. V., & Kanse, V. S. (2012). COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SEASONAL INCIDENCE OF CHICKEN COCCIDIA IN EIGHT DISTRICTS OF MARATHWADA REGION (M.S.). Life Science Bulletin , 9 (2), 339–341. Sontakke, T. A., & Nalage, D. (2021). A Overview of Caprine Coccidiosis in Goat . Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.7421638 Sontakke, T., Biradar, A., & Nalage, D. (2023). The role of genetics in determining resistance to coccidiosis in goats a review of current research and future directions. Molecular Biology Reports , 50 (7), 6171–6175. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-023-08520-3 Sontakke, T., Kanse, V., Bansode, V., Lokahnde, S., & Nikam, S. (2015). Occurrence of Coccidian parasites in Sheep in Omerga region . https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.17512454 Sontakke, T., K.T. Patil, Nalage, D., & N.S. Desale. (2021). Observation of coccidia (apicomplexa: eimeriidae) from goat (Capra hircus) family-bovidae from osmanabad district, (M.S.) India . https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.7418013 Taylor, M. A., Coop, R., & Wall, R. (2016). Veterinary Parasitology (4th ed.). Wiley Blackwell. Vercruysse, J. (1982). The coccidia of sheep and goats in Senegal. Veterinary Parasitology , 10 (4), 297–306. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-4017(82)90080-2 Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Revision Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Major revisions needed 10 May, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 15 Feb, 2026 Reviewers invited by journal 05 Feb, 2026 Editor assigned by journal 13 Nov, 2025 First submitted to journal 12 Nov, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-8099339","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":586351698,"identity":"1881c633-284e-4552-bd92-d658d00ea7f4","order_by":0,"name":"Tejswini Sontakke","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"MGV's, MPH Mahila Mahavidyalaya","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Tejswini","middleName":"","lastName":"Sontakke","suffix":""},{"id":586351699,"identity":"7f2edb4b-c7b4-4840-828a-7a78419e0f0c","order_by":1,"name":"Ashwini Biradar","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ashwini","middleName":"","lastName":"Biradar","suffix":""},{"id":586351700,"identity":"520be9dc-4211-4573-bd6a-da0ff133342e","order_by":2,"name":"Dinesh Nalage","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA/UlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYFAC5gYQwQMk2BgYKkBssAg+wIis5QyIzUicFgawFsY2uAhuYM5+sPHjlwprGXP29mePC+fVRvO3A7X8qNiGU4tlT2KztMyZdB7LnjPmxjO3Hc+dcZixgbHnzG2cWgwOJDZIS7Yd5jG4kcMmzbvtWG4DUAszYxseLecfNv+W/AfUcv/5M2neOcdy5xPUciOxTfJjA8gWBjNp3oaa3A2EtTxss2Y4ls5jcCbHTJrn2IHcjUAtB/H65Xzy4Zs/aqztDY4ffybNU1OXO+/84YMPflTg1gIC4HiEgsNg8gBe9UDA+APBriOkeBSMglEwCkYgAACzfF1GPCbwagAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5216-597X","institution":"Maulana Azad College of Art, Science and Commerce","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Dinesh","middleName":"","lastName":"Nalage","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-11-12 19:31:09","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8099339/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8099339/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":102325813,"identity":"408dd6c6-f203-4840-8ca9-f2634b30a23a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-10 14:27:17","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":166206,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMap of Dharashiv district (Osmanabad) showing sampling sites\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8099339/v1/043ddf90c5cbcd01cee3ae0b.png"},{"id":102325814,"identity":"27c36d5d-2997-47cc-aa62-9b06ae41bb6c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-10 14:27:17","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":433185,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ea.\u003c/strong\u003e Unsporulated oocysts and \u003cstrong\u003eb.\u003c/strong\u003e Sporulated oocysts of \u003cem\u003eEimeria sameerensis \u003c/em\u003en. sp. from sheep\u003cem\u003e \u003c/em\u003e(\u003cem\u003ea. \u003c/em\u003eMicropyalar cap; b. Micropyle; c. Outer layer; d. Inner layer, e. Sporoblast f. Cytoplasm g. sprocyst residuum h. Large refractile globule i. Small refractile globule, j. Steida body).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8099339/v1/789962ce135216304575a1bc.png"},{"id":106723608,"identity":"abe7a72e-9f62-4b87-a5fb-cbf2d6c71632","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-04-12 18:08:33","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1256565,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8099339/v1/e946a198-7367-41ff-b0a7-131b54f5e310.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"","formattedTitle":"A new Species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Sheep (Ovies aries) Dharshiv District (Osmanabad), Maharashtra, India","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eCoccidiosis, caused by protozoans of the genus \u003cem\u003eEimeria\u003c/em\u003e (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), is a major gastrointestinal disease affecting domestic livestock worldwide(Sontakke et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). It leads to substantial economic losses through decreased productivity, weight loss, and mortality in young animals(Balicka-Ramisz, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1999\u003c/span\u003e; Chartier \u0026amp; Paraud, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e; Foreyt, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1990\u003c/span\u003e; Taylor et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Sheep are highly susceptible, particularly between 4\u0026ndash;6 months of age, when infection can severely impact growth and survival(Jadhav, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). Most \u003cem\u003eEimeria\u003c/em\u003e species exhibit strict host specificity(Levine, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1985\u003c/span\u003e) and at least 17 species have been described in sheep globally. In India, studies on \u003cem\u003eEimeria\u003c/em\u003e species have primarily focused on poultry and cattle, while small ruminant coccidia remain underexplored, especially in the Marathwada region(More et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Nikam \u0026amp; Kanse, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e; Sontakke et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). This study aimed to (i) conduct a faunistic survey of \u003cem\u003eEimeria\u003c/em\u003e species in domestic sheep in Dharshiv district (Osmanabad), Maharashtra, and (ii) describe a novel \u003cem\u003eEimeria\u003c/em\u003e species based on oocyst morphology, morphometrics, and comparison with known congeners.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Materials and Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1 Study area\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFieldwork was conducted from July 2013 to June 2015 across Dharshiv district (Osmanabad), Maharashtra, India (18.2070\u0026deg; N, 76.1784\u0026deg; E). Samples were collected from both rural grazing fields and slaughterhouses (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2 Sample collection\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA total of 2911 fecal samples were obtained from sheep. Fresh samples were collected individually, placed in labeled sterile plastic bags, stored at 4\u0026deg;C, and transported to the laboratory within 24 hours. Each sample was examined within five days of collection.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3 Oocyst isolation and flotation\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eApproximately 3\u0026ndash;5g of feces were suspended in distilled water, sieved through muslin cloth, and centrifuged at 3,000rpm for 10min. The sediment was subjected to flotation in saturated NaCl solution, and positive samples were preserved in 2.5% potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) for sporulation(Sontakke et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.4 Sporulation and examination\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eOocysts were sporulated in 2.5% K₂Cr₂O₇ at 28\u0026ndash;32\u0026deg;C in the dark for up to 7 days. The sporulation process was monitored every 12 h until \u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;90% of oocysts were fully sporulated. Observations were made under light microscopy (40\u0026times; and 100\u0026times;), and measurements were taken using an ocular micrometer. Photomicrographs were captured with a Sony DSC-WX200 camera (18.1 MP) (Eckert et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1995\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.5 Identification and morphometrics\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentification followed the morphological and morphometric keys, Diagnostic features included oocyst size, shape, wall structure, presence of micropyle and cap, polar granule, oocyst residuum, and sporocyst characteristics (Stieda body, residuum, refractile bodies)(Fayer, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1980\u003c/span\u003e; Taylor et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Vercruysse, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1982\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Results","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eEimeria sameerensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;n. sp.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e3.1 Description of \u003cem\u003eEimeria sameerensis\u003c/em\u003e n. sp.\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType host: \u003cem\u003eOvis aries\u003c/em\u003e (Linnaeus, 1758)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType locality: Dharashiv district (Osmanabad), Maharashtra, India (18.2070\u0026deg; N, 76.1784\u0026deg; E)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrevalence: 2.0% (41 of 2,044 samples from sheep)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSporulation time: 48\u0026ndash;72 h\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSite of infection: Unknown; oocysts recovered from feces\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInfective stage\u003c/strong\u003e: Animals become infected by ingesting sporulated oocysts, a hardy, environmentally resistant stage of the parasite passed in feces\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHost-specific: Like most \u003cem\u003eEimeria\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003especies, it is considered host-specific, meaning it typically completes its life cycle within a single host species, in this case, goats.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.2 Description of the sporulated oocyst:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Oocysts elongated-oval, bilayered (total wall ~1.5 \u0026mu;m thick; outer 1.0 \u0026mu;m smooth, inner 0.5 \u0026mu;m thin); 35.5 \u0026times; 27.5 \u0026mu;m (range 25.0\u0026ndash;46.0 \u0026times; 20.0\u0026ndash;35.0 \u0026mu;m); L/W ratio 1.29 (1.25\u0026ndash;1.32). Micropyle and micropylar cap present; cap dome-shaped (4\u0026ndash;8 \u0026mu;m wide). Oocystic residuum absent; one distinct polar granule present.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.3 Sporocyst and sporozoites\u003c/strong\u003e: Sporocysts elongate-ovoid, 15.0 \u0026times; 11.0 \u0026mu;m (12.0\u0026ndash;18.0 \u0026times; 9.0\u0026ndash;13.0 \u0026mu;m); L/W ratio 1.36 (1.33\u0026ndash;1.38). Wall single-layered (~0.4 \u0026mu;m), with a prominent crescent-shaped Stieda body; sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies absent. Sporocyst residuum compact, 3.2 \u0026mu;m in diameter, granular. Each sporocyst contains four elongate sporozoites, each with one anterior and two posterior refractile bodies and a centrally placed nucleus.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.4 Differential diagnosis:\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eE. sameerensis\u003c/em\u003e n. sp. differs from \u003cem\u003eE. ahsata, E. christenseni\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eE. parbhniensis\u003c/em\u003e in oocyst dimensions, presence of three refractile bodies (vs. two), and the shape of the Stieda body (crescentic vs. small or absent). The sporulation time (48\u0026ndash;72 h) is also shorter than those of \u003cem\u003eE. christenseni\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eE. parbhaniensis\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e(96\u0026ndash;120 h) (\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 2 \u0026amp; Table 1\u003c/strong\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 1. Comparison of morphological features of \u003cem\u003eEimeria sameerensis\u003c/em\u003e n. sp. and related species in sheep \u003cem\u003e(All measurements in \u0026micro;m)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"658\"\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 127px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 125px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE. ahsata\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE. christenseni\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE. parbhaniensis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE. sameerensis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003en. sp.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 127px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOocyst shape\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 125px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEllipsoid\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOvoid\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eElongate ovoid\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eElongate oval\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 127px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOocyst size\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 125px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27\u0026ndash;42 \u0026times; 16\u0026ndash;25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u0026ndash;44 \u0026times; 20\u0026ndash;31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29\u0026ndash;52 \u0026times; 22\u0026ndash;39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25\u0026ndash;46 \u0026times; 20\u0026ndash;35 (mean 35.5 \u0026times; 27.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 127px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMicropyle\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 125px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u0026ndash;9 \u0026micro;m wide\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u0026ndash;9 \u0026micro;m\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u0026ndash;13 \u0026micro;m\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u0026ndash;8 \u0026micro;m\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 127px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMicropylar cap\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 125px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u0026ndash;7 \u0026micro;m high\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u0026ndash;5 \u0026micro;m\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u0026ndash;5 \u0026micro;m\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u0026ndash;4 \u0026micro;m\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 127px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePolar granule\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 125px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAbsent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePresent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOne\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 127px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOocyst residuum\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 125px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAbsent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAbsent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAbsent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAbsent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 127px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSporocyst size\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 125px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u0026ndash;17 \u0026times; 5\u0026ndash;10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u0026ndash;24 \u0026times; 10\u0026ndash;17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u0026ndash;18 \u0026times; 7\u0026ndash;12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u0026ndash;18 \u0026times; 9\u0026ndash;13 (mean 15 \u0026times; 11)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 127px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStieda body\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 125px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAbsent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSmall\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePresent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eProminent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 127px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSporocyst residuum\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 125px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGranular\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGranular\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGranular\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCompact, rounded\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 127px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRefractile bodies\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 125px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOne small, one large\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOne small, one large\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOne small, one large\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTwo large, one small\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 127px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSporulation time (h)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 125px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60\u0026ndash;84\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e96\u0026ndash;120\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72\u0026ndash;120\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48\u0026ndash;72\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 127px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHost\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 125px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSheep\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"4. Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe present study documents the first record of \u003cem\u003eEimeria sameerensis\u003c/em\u003e n. sp. from sheep in Dharshiv district (Osmanabad), India. The discovery adds to the known diversity of small-ruminant coccidia in the Marathwada region, where previous studies have described \u003cem\u003eE. parva, E. ninakohyakimovae\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eE. ahsata\u003c/em\u003e(More et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Sontakke \u0026amp; Nalage, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Morphological comparison indicates that \u003cem\u003eE. sameerensis\u003c/em\u003e is distinct based on oocyst shape, micropylar structure, and number of refractile globules. High species specificity within \u003cem\u003eEimeria\u003c/em\u003e suggests that \u003cem\u003eE. sameerensis\u003c/em\u003e is likely endemic to local sheep populations. Although the site of endogenous development remains unknown, the presence of oocysts in feces confirms intestinal infection. Further molecular characterization using 18S rRNA and COI gene sequencing is required to confirm phylogenetic placement and to resolve relationships among closely related ovine \u003cem\u003eEimeria\u003c/em\u003e species.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5. Conclusions","content":"\u003cp\u003eA new species, \u003cem\u003eEimeria sameerensis\u003c/em\u003e n. sp., is described from \u003cem\u003eOvis aries\u003c/em\u003e in Dharsahiv district (Osmanabad), India. The species is morphologically distinct from related taxa based on oocyst and sporocyst structure. These findings highlight the underexplored diversity of \u003cem\u003eEimeria\u003c/em\u003e in Indian small ruminants and underscore the need for integrated morphological and molecular approaches to elucidate species boundaries within the genus.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll fecal samples were collected non-invasively; therefore, ethical approval was not required.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for Publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot Applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and material\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot Applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no conflict of interest\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors thank the local livestock owners for access to sampling sites. We are very thankful to eminent professor S. V. Nikam, Department of Zoology, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad 431004, Maharashtra, India for valuable guidance on coccidian taxonomy, species identification, and confirmation.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBalicka-Ramisz, A. (1999). Studies on coccidiosis in goats in Poland. \u003cem\u003eVeterinary Parasitology\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e81\u003c/em\u003e(4), 347\u0026ndash;349. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-4017(98)00258-1\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eChartier, C., \u0026amp; Paraud, C. (2012). Coccidiosis due to Eimeria in sheep and goats, a review. \u003cem\u003eSmall Ruminant Research\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e103\u003c/em\u003e(1), 84\u0026ndash;92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2011.10.022\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eEckert, J., Braun, R., \u0026amp; Coudert, P. (1995). \u003cem\u003eGuidelines on techniques in coccidiosis research\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFayer, R. (1980). Epidemiology of protozoan infections: The coccidia. \u003cem\u003eVeterinary Parasitology\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e6\u003c/em\u003e(1\u0026ndash;3), 75\u0026ndash;103. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-4017(80)90039-4\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eForeyt, W. J. (1990). Coccidiosis and Cryptosporidiosis in Sheep and Goats. \u003cem\u003eVeterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e6\u003c/em\u003e(3), 655\u0026ndash;670. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0749-0720(15)30838-0\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eJadhav, B. (2015). Comparative Study of Seasonal Incidence of Chicken Coccidia in Gangapur and Vaijapur Tehsil of Aurangabad District in Maharashtra. \u003cem\u003eGlobal Journal for Research Analysis\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e4\u003c/em\u003e(7), 10\u0026ndash;11.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLevine, N. D. (1985). \u003cem\u003eVeterinary protozoology\u003c/em\u003e (illustrated ed.). Iowa State University Press, Ames.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMore, B. V., Lokhande, S. C., \u0026amp; Nikam, S. V. (2015). OBSERVATION OF EIMERIA PARVA IN GOAT AND SHEEP FROM BEED, M.S., INDIA. \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Recent Scientific Research\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e6\u003c/em\u003e(3), 3076\u0026ndash;3079.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eNikam, S. V., \u0026amp; Kanse, V. S. (2012). COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SEASONAL INCIDENCE OF CHICKEN COCCIDIA IN EIGHT DISTRICTS OF MARATHWADA REGION (M.S.). \u003cem\u003eLife Science Bulletin\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e9\u003c/em\u003e(2), 339\u0026ndash;341.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSontakke, T. A., \u0026amp; Nalage, D. (2021). \u003cem\u003eA Overview of Caprine Coccidiosis in Goat\u003c/em\u003e. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.7421638\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSontakke, T., Biradar, A., \u0026amp; Nalage, D. (2023). The role of genetics in determining resistance to coccidiosis in goats a review of current research and future directions. \u003cem\u003eMolecular Biology Reports\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e50\u003c/em\u003e(7), 6171\u0026ndash;6175. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-023-08520-3\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSontakke, T., Kanse, V., Bansode, V., Lokahnde, S., \u0026amp; Nikam, S. (2015). \u003cem\u003eOccurrence of Coccidian parasites in Sheep in Omerga region\u003c/em\u003e. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.17512454\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSontakke, T., K.T. Patil, Nalage, D., \u0026amp; N.S. Desale. (2021). \u003cem\u003eObservation of coccidia (apicomplexa: eimeriidae) from goat (Capra hircus) family-bovidae from osmanabad district, (M.S.) India\u003c/em\u003e. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.7418013\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTaylor, M. A., Coop, R., \u0026amp; Wall, R. (2016). \u003cem\u003eVeterinary Parasitology\u003c/em\u003e (4th ed.). Wiley Blackwell.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eVercruysse, J. (1982). The coccidia of sheep and goats in Senegal. \u003cem\u003eVeterinary Parasitology\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e10\u003c/em\u003e(4), 297\u0026ndash;306. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-4017(82)90080-2\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"journal-of-parasitic-diseases","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"jopd","sideBox":"Learn more about [Journal of Parasitic Diseases](https://www.springer.com/journal/12639)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/jopd/default.aspx","title":"Journal of Parasitic Diseases","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"Eimeria sameerensis n. sp., Ovis aries, coccidia, Apicomplexa, morphology, India","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8099339/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8099339/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eBetween June 2013 and May 2015, fecal samples were collected from domestic sheep (\u003cem\u003eOvis aries\u003c/em\u003e) in Dharashiv district (Osmanabad), Maharashtra, India, to investigate the diversity of coccidian parasites. Of the 2,911 samples examined, 16 \u003cem\u003eEimeria\u003c/em\u003e species were identified. Here, we describe one previously unrecognized species, \u003cem\u003eEimeria sameerensis\u003c/em\u003e n. sp., from sheep. Oocysts are elongated-oval, bilayered, measuring 35.5 \u0026times; 27.5 \u0026micro;m with a length/width ratio of 1.29. Both a micropyle and micropylar cap are present, a polar granule occurs, but no oocystic residuum is observed. Sporocysts are elongate ovoid (15.0 \u0026times; 11.0 \u0026micro;m), with a prominent Stieda body and a compact sporocystic residuum. The new species differs from morphologically related species (\u003cem\u003eE. ahsata, E. christenseni, E. parbhaniensis\u003c/em\u003e) by the size of oocysts, number of refractile bodies, and form of the Stieda body. This represents the first description of \u003cem\u003eEimeria sameerensis\u003c/em\u003e from Indian sheep and contributes to the understanding of small ruminant coccidia diversity in the region.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"A new Species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Sheep (Ovies aries) Dharshiv District (Osmanabad), Maharashtra, India","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-02-10 14:27:10","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8099339/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Major revisions needed","date":"2026-05-10T08:02:39+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"","date":"2026-02-16T02:01:45+00:00","index":0,"fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2026-02-05T12:33:58+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-11-13T12:03:14+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Journal of Parasitic Diseases","date":"2025-11-12T14:30:56+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"journal-of-parasitic-diseases","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"jopd","sideBox":"Learn more about [Journal of Parasitic Diseases](https://www.springer.com/journal/12639)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/jopd/default.aspx","title":"Journal of Parasitic Diseases","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"47ed4558-a5b1-4693-8798-59f5d9683dff","owner":[],"postedDate":"February 10th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[{"type":"decision","content":"Major revisions needed","date":"2026-05-10T08:02:39+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"in-revision","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-05-10T12:02:50+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-02-10 14:27:10","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8099339","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8099339","identity":"rs-8099339","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}