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Toxoplasma Gondii: Scanning Electron Microscope Studies on the Small Intestine of Infected and Uninfected Cats
Author(s) -
Hutchison W. M.,
Pittilo R. M.,
Ball S. J.,
Siim J. Chr.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
acta pathologica microbiologica scandinavica section b microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.909
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1600-0463
pISSN - 0304-131X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1699-0463.1979.tb02457.x
Subject(s) - cats , toxoplasma gondii , parasite hosting , biology , electron microscope , anatomy , small intestine , scanning electron microscope , hexagonal crystal system , pathology , chemistry , antibody , materials science , optics , medicine , immunology , biochemistry , physics , world wide web , computer science , composite material , crystallography
The mucosal surfaces of villi from the small intestine of cats infected with Toxoplasma gondii were studied with the scanning electron microscope and compared with those from uninfected control cats. In uninfected cats villi were predominantly leaf shaped and were lined with ridges; goblet cell openings could be seen. The enterocytes had a hexagonal surface outline and were dome‐shaped. Infected cats had both normal and abnormal villi. Injured villi were shortened and attained a broad leaf shape, often with blunt edges. Enterocytes containing oocysts were enlarged, and microvilli were resolvable only on these surfaces. Ruptured cells from which parasite discharge had occurred were seen. Oocysts were observed and possessed a smooth coat.