Ultrastructural changes during in vitro encystment ofBlastocystis hominis
Suresh, K. ; Howe, J. ; Chong, S. Y. ; Ng, G. C. ; Ho, L. C. ; Loh, A. K. ; Ramachandran, N. P. ; Yap, E. H. ; Singh, M.
Springer
Published 1994
Springer
Published 1994
| ISSN: |
1432-1955
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|---|---|
| Source: |
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
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| Topics: |
Biology
Medicine
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| Notes: |
Abstract The morphological changes occurring inBlastocystis hominis at different time points following in vitro encystment were studied by electron microscopy. The following stages of the parasite were sequentially seen: (a) the amoebic form, which was irregular in shape, with a majority of the organelles being concentrated at the condensed cytoplasmic region; (b) the pre-cystic form, which was rounded and had an electron-dense material forming a homogeneous wall around the central body; and (c) the cystic form, which had a very prominent, thick osmiophilic electron-dense wall, within which there were many inclusions and possibly reproductive granules. The amoebic form appeared to be an intermediate stage between the vacuolar form and the pre-cystic form, as this stage allowed the parasite to ingest bacteria to enhance encystment. The pre-cystic stage had previously been shown in experimental infection to be infective. The role of the cystic stage in producing infection is currently being investigated.
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| Type of Medium: |
Electronic Resource
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| URL: |