Elucidation of the life cycle of the intestinal protozoan Blastocystis hominis.
This paper elucidates the status of the different morphological forms of Blastocystis and reports the existence of thin- and thick-walled cysts in B. hominis on the basis of current experimental evidence. It is suggested that the thin-walled cysts are autoinfectious, leading to multiplication of the organism in the intestinal tract. The thick-walled cysts are responsible for external transmission via the faecal-oral route. A life cycle for B. hominis is postulated on the basis of these findings.
Singh
M
M
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge.
Suresh
K
K
Ho
L C
LC
Ng
G C
GC
Yap
E H
EH
D000165:Acridine Orange; D000818:Animals; D016845:Blastocystis hominis / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003470:Culture Media; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D051381:Rats
D004396:Coloring Agents; D003470:Culture Media; D000165:Acridine Orange