Scanning electron microscopy study of Tritrichomonas augusta.
Tritrichomonas augusta is a flagellated protozoan that parasitizes amphibians and reptiles. According to scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the cell shape of T. augusta varies from slender pyriform to ovoidal. Our data show the morphological features of the trophozoites: the emergence of the anterior flagella, the structure of the undulating membrane and the position and shape of the pelta, axostyle and posterior flagellum. In addition, herein we describe spherical forms which are probably pseudocysts. The description of the external structure of T. augusta, as demonstrated by SEM, contributes to the understanding of the biology of this parasite.
Laboratório de Parasitologia Clínica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, 90619-900 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Fernanda P
FP
Borges
Renata C M
RC
Wiltuschnig
Tiana
T
Tasca
Geraldo A
GA
De Carli
D000818:Animals; D005407:Flagella / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D014318:Tritrichomonas / Q000145:classification* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure*