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Ultrastructure of cyst differentiation in parasitic protozoa

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Abstract

Cysts represent a phase in the life cycle of biphasic parasitic protozoa that allow them to survive under adverse environmental conditions. Two events are required for the morphogical differentiation from trophozoite to cyst and from cyst to trophozoite: the encystation and excystation processes. In this paper, we present a review of the ultrastructure of the encystation and excystation processes in Entamoeba invadens, Acanthamoeba castellanii, and Giardia lamblia. The comparative electron microscopical observations of these events here reported provide a morphological background to better understand recent advances in the biochemistry and molecular biology of the differentiation phenomena in these microorganisms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Experimental Pathology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, Av. IPN 2508, Zacatenco, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico

    Bibiana Chávez-Munguía, Mónica González-Lázaro, Arturo González-Robles & Adolfo Martínez-Palomo

  2. School of Superior Studies, UNAM, Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Mexico City, Mexico

    Maritza Omaña-Molina & Patricia Bonilla

  3. Institutional Unit of Health Research, Mexican Institute for Social Security/Autonomous University of Yucatan, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

    Roberto Cedillo-Rivera

Authors
  1. Bibiana Chávez-Munguía
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  2. Maritza Omaña-Molina
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  3. Mónica González-Lázaro
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  4. Arturo González-Robles
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  5. Roberto Cedillo-Rivera
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  6. Patricia Bonilla
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  7. Adolfo Martínez-Palomo
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Correspondence to Bibiana Chávez-Munguía.

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Chávez-Munguía, B., Omaña-Molina, M., González-Lázaro, M. et al. Ultrastructure of cyst differentiation in parasitic protozoa. Parasitol Res 100, 1169–1175 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-006-0447-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-006-0447-x

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