Ultrastructural study of Eimeria gastrosauris a coccidium from the stomach epithelium of Australian Geckoes

Abstract

The fine structures of trophozoites, merozoite formations, micro and macrogamonts and young occysts of Eimeria gastrosauris are described. This parasite undergoes endogenous development in the gastric mucosa epithelium of the Australian geckoes Heteronotis binoei and Oedura monilis. The wall of the parasitophorous vacuole is densely lined with intravacuolar folds on the inside; outside, microfibrils often accumulate into a distinct layer in the host cytoplasm surrounding the vacuole. Microgamonts, as well as macrogamonts, are deeply invaginated. Type 1 wall-forming bodies in the macrogamonts vary in texture, being either lamellar or granular. Type 2 wall-forming bodies are comprised of two layers of different-density matrices. Only early stages of wall formation were available for study. Reprint Endnote 93/501