Ultrastructural observations on gamogonic stages of Goussia subepithelialis (Apicomolexa, Coccidia) from common carp Cyprinus carpio

Abstract

Gamogonic stages of Goussia subepithelialis were observed in the gut of carp from South Bohemian and North German ponds during March and April 1988 and 1989. Large microgamonts (21 to 44 by 16 to 18 btm, n = 20) with highly invaginated surfaces developed within epithelial cells. The microgamonts gave rise to numerous biflagellate microgametes (24 to 43 per plane in cross sections). Developing macrogamonts were located in the apical region of intestinal epithelial cells in a parasitophorous vacuole with scattered intravacuolar vesicles and intravacuolar blebs formed by the parasitophorous membrane. Mature macrogamonts were 14 to 19 by 11 to 15 pm in size and formed large electron-dense bodies w~th electron-lucent spaces. In other respects macrogametogenes~s was sinular to that of other pisclne eimerian species