Abstract
Coccidian parasites possess complex life cycles involving asexual proliferation followed by sexual development leading to the production of oocysts. Coccidian oocysts are persistent stages which are secreted by the feces and transmitted from host to host guaranteeing life cycle progression and disease transmission. The robust bilayered oocyst wall is formed from the contents of two organelles, the wall-forming bodies type I and II (WFBI, WFBII), located exclusively in the macrogametocyte. Eimeria nieschulzi has been used as a model parasite to study and follow gametocyte and oocyst development. In this study, the gametocyte and oocyst wall formation of E. nieschulzi was analyzed by electron microscopy and immuno-histology. A monoclonal antibody raised against the macrogametocytes of E. nieschulzi identified a tyrosine-rich glycoprotein (EnGAM82) located in WFBII. Correlative light and electron microscopy was used to examine the vesicle-specific localization and spatial distribution of GAM82-proteins during macrogametocyte maturation by this monoclonal antibody. In early and mid-stages, the GAM82-protein is ubiquitously distributed in WFBII. Few hours later, the protein is arranged in subvesicular structures. It was possible to show that the substructure of WFBII and the spatial distribution of GAM82-proteins probably represent pre-synthesized cross-linked materials prior to the inner oocyst wall formation. Dityrosine-cross-linked gametocyte proteins can also be confirmed and visualized by fluorescence microscopy (UV light, autofluorescence of WFBII).
Highlights
IntroductionE.g., Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp., and Eimeria spp., are obligate intracellular parasites and pathogens of medical and economic importance.Section Editor: David S
Coccidian parasites, e.g., Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp., and Eimeria spp., are obligate intracellular parasites and pathogens of medical and economic importance.Section Editor: David S
Macrogametocyte development and oocyst wall formation visualized by electron microscopy (EM)
Summary
E.g., Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp., and Eimeria spp., are obligate intracellular parasites and pathogens of medical and economic importance.Section Editor: David S. Coccidian oocysts are crucial for the survival of the parasites in the external environment and the transmission to suitable hosts (Kheysin 1972). The oocyst wall, which is formed from proteins synthesized during the macrogametocyte development, has unique characteristics that protect the enclosed sporozoites from chemical and physical damage (Kheysin 1972; Scholtyseck and Voigt 1964). Oocysts are resistant to disinfectants and chemicals, like sulfuric acid or potassium dichromate (Dubey et al 1970; Kheysin 1972; Marquardt 1966), they are sensitive to heat, cold, and desiccation (Dubey 1998; Kheysin 1972; Ryley 1973)
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