The ultrastructural study of microgametogenesis of Eimeria scinci Phisalix 1923 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) infecting the sandfish lizard, Scincus mitranus Anderson 1871 in Saudi Arabia.
The ultrastructure of microgametogenesis of Eimeria scinci Phisalix 1923 was described for the first time in the gall bladder epithelium of experimentally infected sandfish lizards, Scincus milranus Anderson 1871 from Al-Baha region in Saudi Arabia. Recorded sequence of events started as sexually differentiated second generation merozoites transformed into microgamonts, where most of the apicomplexan organelles have been disappeared gradually. Microgamonts were recognizable by the presence of peripherally arranged nuclei and the presence of one or two centrioles between each nucleus and the limiting membrane of the gamont. Early microgamonts were surrounded by a very narrow parasitophorous vacuoles, which widened during development and contained a few intravacuolar folds and tubules. Differentiation of microgametes began by elevations of the limiting membrane appeared above the centrioles and the segregation of nuclear content into a dense osmiophilic portion and an electron-pale one. A gradual protrusion of the dense portion of the nucleus and the developing flagella into the parasitophorous vacuole was proceeded. Fully developed microgametes become detached and occupied the parasitophorous vacuole along with the residual body of the mother microgamont. Each microgamete had at least two flagella; an anterior perforatorium; a dense elongate nucleus and an anteriorly located tubular mitochondrion. The (9x2+2) pattern of flagella was detected in transverse sections.
Abd-Allah Shazly
Mohammed
M
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
D000818:Animals; D003048:Coccidiosis / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004539:Eimeria / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005260:Female; D005718:Gametogenesis; D008116:Lizards / Q000469:parasitology*; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000662:veterinary; D012529:Saudi Arabia