Sarcocytis gracilis n. sp. from the brazilian tortoise kinosternon scorpioides

Abstract

Sarcocystis gracilis n. sp. is described in the tortoise Kinosternon scorpioides (Reptilia, Chelonia) from the Island of Marajó, north Brazil. This appears to be the first record of a sarcosporidian from this group of reptiles. The cysts are restricted to the skeletal musculature and mar reach up to 8.0 mm in length. rI'he cyst wall is extremely delicate, with no visible striations or spines: the trabeculae are well developed and growth of the cyst appears to be largely from caps of proliferative cells at the poles. The zoites are long and slender, averaging 18.4 X 1.4 p. in fresh preparations. They undergo sudden and rapid gliding movements. The parasite produces striking pathologic changes in the muscle.