Skip to main content
Log in

Fine structural changes associated with schizogony in Eimeria necatrix

  • Published:
Zeitschrift für Parasitenkunde Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

The fine structural changes associated with first and second generation schizogony in Eimeria necatrix were studied in experimentally infected chickens. First-generation schizonts were found in crypt epithelial cells up to 48 hr postinfection, and second generation schizonts at 68 to 120 hr. The fine structural changes observed during development were similar in the first and second generations. Invaginations of the plasma membrane ramified in the cytoplasm and divided the multinucleated schizont of E. necatrix into several lobes prior to merozoite formation. Subsequently, merozoites began forming at the surface in association with nuclei and then grew outward from the schizont. An intranuclear spindle apparatus associated with a centrocone was frequently seen in schizont nuclei prior to and during the process of merozoite formation. Numerous infoldings of host membrane were found in the parasitophorous vacuole throughout schizogony. Enlargement of the parasitized host cell and its nucleus occurred during the growth of both first and second generation schizonts.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bergmann, V.: Electronenmicroskopische Untersuchungen zur Pathogenese der Blinddarmkokzidiose der Hühnerküken. Arch. exp. Vet.-Med. 24, 1170–1184 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Colley, F. C.: Fine structure of schizonts and merozoites of Eimeria nieschulzi. J. Protozool. 15, 374–382 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dubremetz, J. F.: Etude ultrastructurale de la mitose schizogonique chez la coccidie Eimeria necatrix (Johnson 1930). J. Ultrastruct. Res. 42, 354–376 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dubremetz, J. F., Yvore, P.: Elaboration de la coque oocystique chez la Coccidie Eimeria necatrix Johnson 1930 (Sporozoaires, Coccidiomorphes). Etude au microscope electronique. C. R. Soc. Biol. (Paris) 165, 862–866 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fernando, M. A.: Fine structure of the schizonts and merozoites of Eimeria acervulina in the chicken. J. Parasit. In Press (1973)

  • Fernando, M. A., Pasternak, J., Barrell, R., Stockdale, P. H. G.: Induction of host nuclear DNA synthesis in coccidia-infected chicken intestinal cells. Int. J. Parasit. (1973) sub. f. publ.

  • Hammond, D. M.: The development and ecology of coccidia and related intracellular parasites. In: A. M. Fallis, eds., Ecology and physiology of parasites, p. 3–19. A symposium. Toronto: Univ. of Toronto Press (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hammond, D. M., Scholtyseck, E., Chobotar, B.: Fine structural study of the microgametogenesis of Eimeria auburnensis. Z. Parasitenk. 33, 65–84 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, T. C., Hirsch, J. C.: The interaction between Toxoplasma gondii and mammalian cells. II. The absence of lysosomal fusion with phagocytic vacuoles containing living parasites. J. exp. Med. 136, 1173–1194 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, D. L., Long, P. L.: An electron microscopical study of Eimeria tenella grown in the liver of the chick embryo. Int. J. Parasit. 2, 55–58, (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, D. L., Millard, B. J.: Fine structure of the schizonts of Eimeria praecox. Int. J. Parasit. 1, 37–41 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Long, P. L.: In vitro culture of Eimeria tenella. J. Parasit. 56, Sect. 2, 214–215 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • McLaren, D. J.: Observations on the fine structural changes associated with schizogony and gametogony in Eimeria tenella. Parasitology 59, 553–574 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Mehlhorn, H.: Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen an Entwicklungsstadien von Eimeria maxima aus dem Haushuhn III. Der Differenzierungsprozess der Mikrogameten unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Kernteilungen. Z. Parasitenk. 40, 243–260 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Pal, S. G.: Mitochondrial involvement in the host-parasite relationship. Ark. Zool. 20, 79–83 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sampson, H. R., Hammond, D. M.: Fine structural aspects of development of Eimeria alabamensis schizonts in cell cultures. J. Parasit. 58, 311–322 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Scholtyseck, E.: Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen über die Wechselwirkung zwischen dem Zellparasiten Eimeria perforans und seiner Wirtzelle. Z. Zellforsch. 61, 220–230 (1963)

    Google Scholar 

  • Scholtyseck, E.: Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen über die Schizogonie bei Coccidien (Eimeria perforans und E. stiedae). Z. Parasitenk. 26, 50–62 (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  • Scholtyseck, E., Mehlhorn, H., Hammond, D. M.: Electron microscope studies of microgametogenesis in coccidia and related groups. Z. Parasitenk. 38, 95–131 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Senaud, J., Černá, Z.: Etude Ultrastructurale des Mérozoites et de la Schizogonie des Coccidies (Eimeriina): Eimeria magna (Perard 1925) de l'Intestin des Lapins et E. tenella (Railliet et Lucet, 1891) des Coecums des Poulets. J. Protozool. 16, 155–165 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sheffield, H. G., Hammond, D. M.: Electron microscope observations on the development of first-generation merozoites of Eimeria bovis. J. Parasit. 52, 831–840 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sheffield, H. G., Melton, M. L.: The fine structure and reproduction of Toxoplasma gondii. J. Parasit. 54, 209–226 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Snigirevskaya, E. S.: Changes of some ultrastructures during microgametogenesis in the rabbit coccidia Eimeria intestinalis and Eimeria magna. Acta protozool. 11, 382–385 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tyzzer, E. E., Theiler, H., Jones, E. E.: Coccidiosis of gallinaceous birds. II. A comparative study of species of Eimeria of the chicken. Amer. J. Hyg. 15, 319–393 (1932)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

Supported by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Fernando, M.A., Stockdale, P.H.G. Fine structural changes associated with schizogony in Eimeria necatrix . Z. Parasitenk. 43, 105–114 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00329168

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00329168

Keywords

Navigation