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The ultrastructure of a haemogregarine parasitic in Gehyra variegata (Duméril & Bibron, 1836)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

W. E. Stehbens  and
M. R. L. Johnston
W. E. Stehbens
Affiliation:
The Departments of Experimental Pathology and Zoology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
M. R. L. Johnston
Affiliation:
The Departments of Experimental Pathology and Zoology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Extract

The ultrastructure of the intra-erythrocytic stage of a haemogregarine in the gecko, Gehyra variegata, has been studied and numerous points of similarity to Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Sarcocystis, Lankesterella, Eimeria and the M-organism were found. The protozoon was invested by a triple-layered pellicle, and possessed at least two micropyles. A conoid and apical rings were observed at the anterior end. Other cell constituents included nucleus, microtubules, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, toxonemes and a variety of vacuoles. Loosely surrounding the parasite was an unusual convoluted membrane, which in appropriate planes of section, displayed corrugations on both surfaces. It was not clear whether this membranous structure should be regarded as an integral part of the protozoon or as an external coat which could be discarded upon emergence from the host red cell. Within its external sheath, the parasite lay in a periparasitic vacuole which was limited by a conventional unit membrane from the host red cell cytoplasm. The parasite did not exhibit any evidence of pinocytosis or phagocytosis.

Our sincere thanks are due to Dr E. H. Mercer, Professor J. D. Smyth and Dr M. J. Mackerras for advice. Miss N. Carroll gave technical assistance.

Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 57 , Issue 2 , May 1967 , pp. 251 - 261
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1967

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