Eimeria fraterculae is a species of alveolates belonging to the family Eimeriidae. It causes renal coccidiosis in the Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica).

Eimeria fraterculae
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Clade: Diaphoretickes
Clade: SAR
Clade: Alveolata
Phylum: Apicomplexa
Class: Conoidasida
Order: Eucoccidiorida
Family: Eimeriidae
Genus: Eimeria
Species:
E. fraterculae
Binomial name
Eimeria fraterculae
Leighton and Gajadhar, 1986

Apart from its host-specificity, this coccidium can be recognised by the subspherical oocytes with unusually thick walls appearing distinctly greenish in colour.[1] Coccidiosis caused by this parasite appears to be mild and nonfatal.

References

edit
  1. ^ Frederick A. Leighton and Alvin A. Gajadhar (1986). "Eimeria fraterculae sp. n. in the kidneys of Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica) from Newfoundland, Canada: species description and lesions". Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 22 (4): 520–526. doi:10.7589/0090-3558-22.4.520.