Cryptosporidia: Epicellular parasites embraced by the host cell membrane
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| Year of publication | 2009 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
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| Description | The ultrastructure of 2 gastric cryptosporidia, C. muris from experimentally infected rodents (Mastomys natalensis) and Cryptosporidium sp. toad from naturally infected toads (Duttaphrynus melanostictus), was studied using electron microscopy. Observations allowed us to map ultrastructural aspects of the cryptosporidian invasion process and the origin of a parasitophorous sac. Invading parasites attach to the host cell, followed by gradual envelopment, with the host cell membrane folds eventually forming the parasitophorous sac. Cryptosporidian developmental stages remain epicellular during the entire life cycle. The parasite development is illustrated in detail using high resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy. This provides a new insight into the ultrastructural detail of host-parasite interactions and species specific differences manifested in frequency of detachment of the parasitophorous sac, radial folds of the parasitophorous sac and stem-formation of the parasitised host cell. |
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