Surface topography of the tegument of adult Schistosoma nasale Rao, 1933 from Sri Lanka

Abstract

Scanning electron microscopical studies of adult male and female Schistosoma nasale are reported. The tubercles on the dorsal and dorso-lateral surfaces of unpaired male S. nasale are devoid of spines. In paired male worms the tubercles on the dorsal surface are large and also are devoid of spines, but some tubercles on the dorso-lateral surface possess spines. Pit-like openings are visible on the surface of the smooth tubercles. The oral and ventral suckers on the male worm are well developed and are invested with spines, as are the gynaecophoric canal and flap. Ciliated sensory receptors are distributed over the surface of the male worm. The oral and ventral suckers of the female worm are much smaller than those of the male: spines occur on both suckers. The surface of the female is non-tuberculate and is thrown into transverse folds. Pit-like openings are visible at higher magnifications. The anterior end of the female is heavily invested in ciliated receptors, whereas the posterior end is heavily spined. The surface topography of S. nasale is discussed in relation to other species of Schistosoma.