Scanning electron microscopy of the surface coat of Blastocystis hominis.
Scanning electron microscopy of Blastocystis hominis showed that its outer coat has a fibrillar structure and individual fibrils may extend up to 5 microm from the periphery of the parasite. The surface coat remains intact during cell division. Bacteria are often seen adhering to it, but for the first time a trophozoite of Chilomastix mesnili was also seen in this position. It is postulated that breakdown of attached organisms may provide nutrients for Blastocystis.
Zaman
V
V
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences Medical College, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. viqar.zaman@aku.edu
Howe
J
J
Ng
M
M
Goh
T K
TK
D000818:Animals; D016776:Blastocystis Infections / Q000469:parasitology; D016845:Blastocystis hominis / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D013499:Surface Properties