Ultrastructure of Babesia bigemina gametes obtained in "in vitro" erythrocyte cultures

Vet Parasitol. 1998 Mar 31;76(1-2):19-25. doi: 10.1016/s0304-4017(97)00205-7.

Abstract

Propagation of Babesia bigemina in "in vitro" erythrocyte cultures resulted in the appearance of the sexual stage of the parasite, characterized by cytoplasmic projections and microtubules. These morphologically distinct parasites were found to adhere to each other, with later fusion of their membranes. No nuclear fusion was observed. The ultrastructure of the sexual stages was described.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Babesia / physiology*
  • Babesiosis / parasitology
  • Cattle
  • Cytoplasm / ultrastructure
  • Erythrocytes / parasitology*
  • Germ Cells / physiology
  • Germ Cells / ultrastructure*
  • Intracellular Membranes / physiology
  • Intracellular Membranes / ultrastructure
  • Membrane Fusion
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Microtubules / ultrastructure
  • Organelles / physiology
  • Organelles / ultrastructure*