Caryospora simplex (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from a captive Kaznakov's viper (Vipera kaznakovi)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Herpetology
• Protozoology

Background:

• Caryospora simplex is an apicomplexan parasite known to infect various reptile species.
• Vipera kaznakovi, or Kaznakov's viper, is a species of snake found in parts of Western Asia.
• The presence and prevalence of C. simplex in North American viper populations are not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first documented occurrence of Caryospora simplex in a Kaznakov's viper.
• To document the presence of coccidian stages (meronts and gamonts) in the intestinal tissues of a deceased viper.

Main Methods:

• Fecal samples from a captive female Kaznakov's viper were examined for coccidian oocysts.
• Histopathological examination of intestinal tissues from a deceased female Kaznakov's viper was performed.
• Identification of parasitic stages was based on morphological characteristics.

Main Results:

• Oocysts of Caryospora simplex were identified in the feces of a captive female Kaznakov's viper in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
• Meronts and gamonts, indicative of active coccidian development, were observed within the intestinal epithelial cells of another deceased female Kaznakov's viper.
• This represents the first report of Caryospora simplex in this viper species and geographic location.

Conclusions:

• The findings confirm the presence of Caryospora simplex in captive Kaznakov's vipers in the United States.
• This report expands the known host range and geographic distribution of Caryospora simplex.
• Further research is warranted to understand the epidemiology and potential impact of this parasite on viper populations.