Ultrastructure of symbiont-like microorganisms associated with the sperm of ixodid ticks.
The endospermatophores found in the seminal receptacles of three species of Ixodid ticks: Hyalomma marginatum, H. dromedarii and Amblyomma hebraeum were examined. The seminal receptacles showed the presence of symbiont-like microorganisms in association with the sperm cells. These yeast-like microorganisms represent extracellular symbionts, produced by the male and introduced in the genital system of the female through copulation. The symbionts frequently occur freely in large agglomerations surrounded by a large amount of alpha-glycogen rosettes. They do not alter their shape nor do they attach to the sperm cells. Another kind of Rickettsia-like microorganisms is present in tissues of some tick organs. This could be a form of disease agents or naturally occurring microorganisms in the tissue of tick organs.
el Said
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Department of Entomology Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia Cairo, Egypt.
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005658:Fungi / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000382:microbiology*; D013559:Symbiosis; D013987:Ticks / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure