Morphological aspects of Monocercomonas sp. and investigation on probable pseudocysts occurrence.
Monocercomonas sp. is a flagellate protozoan found in the large intestine of snakes and in insects. Light microscopy revealed the measurements of morphological features of the trophozoites. Scanning electron microscopy showed in detail the emergence of the three anterior flagella, the recurrent flagellum, the axostyle, and the absence of undulating membrane. In addition, we described spherical forms which are probably pseudocysts. The investigation on the occurrence of this process was carried out through the incubation of Monocercomonas sp. trophozoites in several stressful conditions, such as pH change, nutrient depletion and different temperatures. Results revealed high pseudocyst formation at acidic pH values (4.0, 5.0, and 6.0), in absence of serum and in incubation at 37 degrees C. The occurrence of these pseudocystic forms in trichomonads life cycle is under investigation. This study describes the external structure of Monocercomonas sp., as demonstrated by light and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, to our knowledge, this is the first time that formation of probable pseudocysts is shown in Monocercomonas sp., contributing to the research field on termite protozoa biology.
Borges
Fernanda Pires
FP
Laboratório de Parasitologia Clínica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, 90619-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Gottardi
Bárbara
B
Stuepp
Cristiane
C
Larré
Anne Brandolt
AB
de Brum Vieira
Patrícia
P
Tasca
Tiana
T
De Carli
Geraldo Attilio
GA
D000818:Animals; D005407:Flagella / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018869:Heat-Shock Response; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008018:Life Cycle Stages; D008853:Microscopy; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D016834:Trichomonadida / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D053058:Trophozoites / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure