Light and transmission electron microscopic studies of a haemogregarine in naturally infected fan-footed gecko (Ptyodactylus hasselquistii)

Abstract

The present study focuses on and describes the developmental stages of a haemogregarine species in the blood and tissues of the gecko Ptyodactylus hasselquistii. The blood stages were differentiated into two forms: a short gamont measuring 11.87 x 6.42 microm and a banana-shaped mature gamont measuring 14.13 x 10.03 microm in length and width, respectively. Both erythrocytes and leucocytes had been invaded. The parasitaemia level is up to 410 per 10,000 erythrocytes counted. The gamont has a karyolytic effect on the host cell nucleus. Merogony occurred in the parenchyma cells of liver and the endothelial cells of the lung. The meronts in the lung were found in two forms: the micromeront measured 14.93x13.14 microm and produced a few numbers (average 4) of macromerozoites. The macromeront measured 26.3 x 16 microm and produced more small-sized merozoites (average 11.5), or micromerozoites. On the ultrastructural level, merozoites have a pellicle, which consists of an outer and inner membrane. The merozoites are nearly identical to the blood stages of the parasite.