TL;DR: Polyamine content and biosynthesis in tryposomatid flagellates are reviewed concluding with emphasis on their possible role as critical drug targets in these parasitic protozoa so pathogenic for man in large areas of the world.
Abstract: Polyamines are multiply amine-substituted straight-chain aliphatics; their content in different tissues may vary widely, and their functions are many. Their main routes of biosynthesis originate from ornithine and methionine. Polyamine content and biosynthesis in tryposomatid flagellates are reviewed concluding with emphasis on their possible role as critical drug targets in these parasitic protozoa so pathogenic for man in large areas of the world.
TL;DR: A survey of protozoa polluting bottled mineral water in Mexico was carried out using samples obtained form the three best-selling brands of bottled Mineral water in the country, finding some strains of Naegleria and Acanthamoeba have the potential to cause human disease that may lead to death.
Abstract: A survey of protozoa polluting bottled mineral water in Mexico was carried out using samples obtained from the three best-selling brands of bottled mineral water in the country. The organisms were concentrated through filtration procedures and subsequently cultured in sterile media. The cultures were observed over four weeks, with identification to the level of genus and species. Most commonly found were the amoebae Naegleria gruberi, Acanthamoeba astronyxis, and Vahlkampfia vahlkampfi (trophic as well as cystic stages) plus one flagellate, Bodomorpha minima. No ciliates were detected. The public health importance of the findings is obvious, since some strains of Naegleria and Acanthamoeba have the potential to cause human disease that may lead to death.
TL;DR: Investigation using sparrows and canaries demonstrated that after oral oocyst inoculation, infection of macrophages spread from the submucosa of the duodenum to the liver, and after several generations in the internal organs, asexual multiplication, occured in the intestinal epithelium of the small intestinc.
Abstract: Toxoplasma-like avian parasites inhabiting mononuclear phagocytes have been called Haemogregarina, Toxoplasma. avian Toxoplasma, Atoxoplasma, and Lankesterella by various authors. My attempts to transmit the parasites by bloodsucking mites or by transfer of blood and tissues of infected sparrows and canaries were unsuccessful. However, it was noted that the infection was exacerbated under conditions that favored transmission of coccidiosis: crowding and lack of cleanliness. Oral inoculation of sporulated oocysts of Isospora resulted in death from overwhelming macrophage infection with Toxoplasma-like organisms. Experiments using sparrows and canaries showed that the Isospora species involved was not cross infectious. Further investigations using canaries demonstrated that after oral oocyst inoculation, infection of macrophages spread from the submucosa of the duodenum to the liver. spleen, and lungs. After several generations in the internal organs, asexual multiplication, occured in the intestinal epithelium of the small intestinc. Fecal oocysts first appeared at the end of 9–10 days. Oocysts continued to be passed in the feces for months after infection. This chronicity may be explained by the relatively long life of the macrophages that serve as host cells for the asexual stages as compared to the intestinal epithelium which is the cell type parasitized by conventional coccidia.
TL;DR: Temperature tolerance measurements have been made on stocks representing all known micronucleate members of “pyriformis” complex, and the large differences among species make temperature tolerance a useful aid in identification, but the origins of the Differences among species are unknown.
Abstract: Stocks of the Tetrahymena pyriformis complex have been collected in North America and their mating reactivity has been studied. In addition to stocks mating with Tetrahymena americanis, T. borealis, T. pigmentosa, T. hyperangularis, and T. australis, stocks belonging to old syngen 5 and three new mating groups, numbers 13, 14, and 15, were discovered. Syngen 5 and groups 13 and 14 are distinct “biological” species, based on their reproductive isolation from other groups and on the ability of withingroup crosses to produce immature progeny. These species have been named T. hegewischi n. sp., T. sonneborni n. sp., and T. nipissingi n. sp., respectively. The cross between the two group 15 stocks did not produce immature progeny, and there is not sufficient evidence to conclude that this pair of stocks represents a separate species. Temperature tolerance measurements have been made on stocks representing all known micronucleate members of “pyriformis” complex. Within each species, the range of temperature tolerances is narrow; the average within-species standard deviation is 0.63°C. The species averages range from 32.7 to 40.7°C. Using syngen numbers, the order from lowest to highest temperature tolerance is 9, 8, 10, 7, 6, 4, 13, 14, 12, 11, 5, 3, 2, 1. The large differences among species make temperature tolerance a useful aid in identification, but the origins of the differences among species are unknown.
TL;DR: Five new species of the genus Myxobolus (Myxosporea) infecting the fresh-water carps are described and a new host record for M. curmucae is reported.
Abstract: Five new species of the genus Myxobolus (Myxosporea) infecting the fresh-water carps are described. M. bhadrensis n. sp. was noticed in the musculature of the fry of Labeo rohita, collected from Bhadra Fish Seed Farm, in September 1979; and M. shettii, M. vedavatiensis, M. venkateshi, and M. hosadurgensis n. spp. were found in the gills of Cirrhina mrigala sampled from Vanivilasa Sagar Fish Farm in April 1980. Also, a new host record for M. curmucae is reported.
TL;DR: Promastigotes of Leishmania donovani cultured for either 3 or 10 days in vitro and inoculated intracardially into golden hamsters with an equal number of organisms from either population showed a 7-fold difference in infectivity when compared at both 10 and 16 days post-infection.
Abstract: Promastigotes of Leishmania donovani cultured for either 3 or 10 days in vitro and inoculated intracardially into golden hamsters with an equal number of organisms from either population showed a 7-fold difference in infectivity when compared at both 10 and 16 days post-infection. Reproducible histochemical staining for the promastigote enzymes glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and peptidase after polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed two isoelectric variants of G6PDH (Bands 1 and 2) that displayed a 45% decrease (Band 1) and a 60% increase (Band 2) in total activity when 3- and 10-day-old promastigotes were compared. Peptidase activity, present in a single band, increased 7-fold in 10-day-old promastigotes. A decrease in the lectin-induced agglutination of promastigotes by castor bean agglutinin (RCA60), specific for D-galactose and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, was seen when 3- and 10-day-old promastigotes are compared. Antisera raised against sonicated 10-day-old promastigotes showed a unique precipitin band between the antiserum and sonicated 10-day-old promastigotes not found between the antiserum and sonicated 3-day-old promastigotes.
TL;DR: Exposure of six incubator-hatched and hand-reared sandhill crane chicks to oocysts artificially and naturally resulted in typical infection of intestinal epithelium with invasion of subepithelial tissues extending to the muscular layer and widespread extraintestinal development.
Abstract: In contrast with isosporoid species of coccidia that have established extraintestinal phases of development, the eimeriids, except for a few species, generally have been considered inhabitants of the intestinal tract. Eimeria infection in sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) and whooping cranes (G. americana) may result in disseminated visceral coccidiosis. Nodules were observed in the oral cavity of 33% (n = 95) of the G. canadensis at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC) in Laurel, MD. Necropsy of six of the afflicted cranes revealed granulomatous nodules in many tissues and organs. Histologic studies disclosed protozoan organisms morphologically resembling schizonts in the granulomas, and endogenous stages of coccidia were present in the intestines of four birds. Fecalysis of three of four sandhill cranes yielded oocysts of E. reichenowi and E. gruis. Only E. reichenowi-type oocysts were recovered from a dead whooping crane sample. Domestic broiler chicks each intubated with about 1 times 106 pooled sporulated oocysts of E. reichenowi and E. gruis were not infected. Exposure of six incubator-hatched and hand-reared sandhill crane chicks to oocysts artificially (two chicks) and naturally (four chicks) resulted in typical infection of intestinal epithelium with invasion of subepithelial tissues extending to the muscular layer and widespread extraintestinal development. Asexual and sexual stages occurred primarily in macrophages in the liver, spleen, heart, and lung. In the lung, oocysts were found in bronchial exudate and epithelial lining cells. Six of ten G. canadensis chicks, one adult G. americana, and three of five G. americana chicks that died naturally at PWRC had disseminated visceral coccidiosis.
TL;DR: Viable merozoites of Plasmodium knowlesi were isolated and the proteins that werelabeled by lactoperoxidase-catalyzed radioiodination were identified, and these high molecular weight proteins are candidates for themerozoite component that attaches to erythrocytes.
Abstract: Viable merozoites of Plasmodium knowlesi were isolated and the proteins that were labeled on intact merozoites by lactoperoxidase-catalyzed radioiodination were identified. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography of Triton soluble extracts of labeled merozoites demonstrated eight major bands ranging in apparent molecular weight from 150,000 D to 22,000 D. Exposure of intact merozoites to trypsin (10 μg/ml) for 10 min resulted in the loss of the two highest molecular weight proteins (150,000 D and 105,000 D) and the appearance of two new bands at 70,000 D and 62,000 D. Trypsin treatment under these conditions also removed the receptor(s) for merozoite attachment to erythrocytes. Therefore, these high molecular weight proteins are candidates for the merozoite component that attaches to erythrocytes. There was no evidence that the labeled membrane components were serum or erythrocyte membrane components, two potential contaminants in the preparation. Anti-rhesus erythrocyte antibody did not precipitate labeled merozoite proteins. Furthermore, the immunoprecipitation of labeled merozoite proteins by rhesus anti-merozoite serum was not inhibited by erythrocyte ghosts.
TL;DR: This localization of Leishmania within macrophage phagolysosomes in vivo is the first confirmation for any obligate intracellulaire protozoon that parasite-lysosome interactions in vitro occur in vivo.
Abstract: The interaction of Leishmania with lysosomes within macrophages in vivo has been investigated. Lysosomes labeled with colloidal gold in vivo fused with phagocytic vacuoles containing Leishmania amastigotes within the macrophages of infected footpad tissue of BALB/c mice. This localization of Leishmania within macrophage phagolysosomes in vivo is the first confirmation for any obligate intracellulaire protozoon that parasite-lysosome interactions in vitro occur in vivo.
TL;DR: By using fluorescent isothiocyanate-conjugated concanavalin A (FITC-Con A), cell surface events were examined under a light microscope during the early period of the conjugation process in Tetrahymena thermophila to identify alterations of the Con A-binding pattern found to be interrupted or eliminated by cycloheximide.
Abstract: By using fluorescent isothiocyanate-conjugated concanavalin A (FITC-Con A), cell surface events were examined under a light microscope during the early period of the conjugation process in Tetrahymena thermophila. Until the two complementary mating types (D-III and IV) were mixed, Con A-binding activities were hardly detected on the cell surface of ciliates. After mixing, however, the FITC-Con A (25 μg/ml) bound especially to the anterior cell surface at the early stage of conjugation, followed by characteristic changes of the Con A-binding pattern and, subsequently, by formation of a bright fluorescent ring around the area of contact between conjugants. Such alterations of FITC-Con A-binding pattern were found to be interrupted or eliminated by cycloheximide (2 μg/ml). These findings are related to the onset and subsequent conjugation in T. thermophila.
TL;DR: Methods of variation of transverse costal diameters between genera may be potentially useful to the understanding of taxonomy and phylogeny of this family.
Abstract: Eight species of loricate choanoflagellates (Acanthoecidae), Acanthoecopsis spiculifera Norris, Bicosta antennigera Moestrup, Bicosta spinifera Throndsen, Calliacantha multispina Manton & Oates, Calliacantha simplex Manton & Oates, Crinolina aperta Leadbeater, Diaphanoeca multiannulata n. sp., and Parvicorbicula socialis (Meunier) Deflandre, have been observed, by light and electron microscopy, in samples obtained from the Weddell Sea during the austral summer of 1977. Diaphanoeca multiannulata is described for the first time from these samples: the other organisms are discussed. The distribution of most species within the Weddell Sea was widespread. Habitats in which choanoflagellates were found included the water column, the edge of (or ponds on) ice floes, and the interior of ice floes. The distributional, environmental, habitat, and/or morphological range of all previously described species is expanded. Methods of variation of transverse costal diameters between genera may be potentially useful to the understanding of taxonomy and phylogeny of this family.
TL;DR: Three species of Pseudocohnilembus were examined with respect to infraciliature and the silverline system and exhibited no differences in general organization of the argyrophilic structures when compared with the marine P. putrinus and P. pusillus.
Abstract: Three species of Pseudocohnilembus were examined with respect to infraciliature and the silverline system. The freshwater species P. putrinus and P. pusillus exhibited no differences in general organization of the argyrophilic structures when compared with the marine P. marinus. A review of the Pseudocohnilembus species that have been described on the basis of silver preparations shows that at present four species have been well characterized: P. pusillus (Quennerstedt, 1869) nov. comb., P. putrinus (Kahl, 1928) nov. comb., P. hargisi Evans & Thompson, 1964, and P. marinus Thompson, 1966, P. persalinus Evans & Thompson, 1964 and P. longiseta Evans & Thompson, 1964 are regarded as identical with the older known P. pusillus, because with respect to morphology and argyrophilic structures they are within the range of variability of that species; and their names thus fall as synonyms of P. pusillus.
TL;DR: The binding of colloidal iron particles, as well as the agglutination induced by the lectin from Limulus polyphemus, indicated the presence of sialic acid on the cell surface of T. foetus.
Abstract: The cell surface of Tritrichomonas foetus was characterized by using 18 highly purified lectins with specificities for N-acetyl glucosamine, N-acetyl galactosamine, galactose, mannose, and sialic acid. The specificity of the lectin-induced cell agglutination was verified by inhibition of the agglutination with the specific sugars. By using cytochemical techniques associated with electron microscopy, carbohydrates were detected on the cell surface of T. foetus. The following techniques were used: periodic acid--thiosemicarbazide--silver proteinate, concanavalin A--horseradish peroxidase, and ruthenium red. Anionic sites were detected on the cell surface of the protozoan at pH's 1.8 and 7.2 with the use of colloidal iron hydroxide and cationized ferritin particles, respectively. The binding of colloidal iron particles, as well as the agglutination induced by the lectin from Limulus polyphemus, indicated the presence of sialic acid on the cell surface of T. foetus.
TL;DR: Observations indicate that combinations of antibody specificities that reduce fertilization efficiency coat the entire surface of the gametes, on the other hand, focal interactions resulting from a single antibody are unable to block fertilization.
Abstract: Anti-malarial gamete antibodies prevent the fertilization of gametes in the mosquito midgut and prevent transmission of malaria. Recently, hybridoma cell lines secreting monoclonal antibodies (10G3 and 11C7) against gametes of the malarial parasite have been developed. These antibodies act synergistically to mediate 80--90% suppression of the infectivity of gametocytes, although neither monoclonal antibody alone has a significant effect on gametocyte infectivity. We performed immuno-electron microscopy to characterize the interactions of these monoclonal antibodies with gametes of Plasmodium gallinaceum. Male gametes exposed to either 10G3 or 11C7 agglutinated into loose clusters, while those exposed to a mixture of 10G3 and 11C7 agglutinated into long, rope-like bundles. This difference appears to be related to the distribution of the antibodies on the surface of the gametes. When 10G3 or 11C7 labeled with a ferritin-conjugated anti-mouse Ig were used singly, the ferritin particles were distributed in focal areas over the surface of the parasites. By contrast, when the male gametes were exposed to a mixture of 10G3 and 11C7, the ferritin particles were distributed over their entire surface. Female gametes reacted similarly to these antibodies. These observations indicate that combinations of antibody specificities that reduce fertilization efficiency coat the entire surface of the gametes. On the other hand, focal interactions resulting from a single antibody are unable to block fertilization.
TL;DR: Speciation within the genus Diophrys and evolution of the family Euplotidae as they relate to the morphogenesis of cortical structure are discussed.
Abstract: Morphogenesis of cell division was investigated in Diophrys scutum, D. oligothrix, and D. appendiculata utilizing both light microscopy of living and stained specimens and SEM of preserved specimens. The cortical morphogenetic pattern of Diophrys is similar to that of other members of the family Euplotidae. The opisthe oral primordium, which develops in a subsurface pouch, forms posterior to the parental buccal cavity. The proter inherits the parental adoral zone of membranelles (AZM) apparently unchanged. The endoral membrane forms to the right of the posterior end of the AZM in the proter, in association with the developing AZM in the opisthe. The paroral cirrus and membrane develop from a single streak that first appears along the right edge of the buccal cavity in the proter to the right of the developing buccal structures of the opisthe. Frontal and transverse cirri develop in both proter and opisthe from five separate cirral primordia that form to the right of the buccal cavity. Left marginal cirri do not develop in association with the corresponding parental structures. Kinetosomes formed within the opisthe oral primordium, or kinetosomes that were part of any parental ciliary structure, do not appear to become part of any developing paroral structures, frontal, transverse, or left marginal cirri. Speciation within the genus Diophrys and evolution of the family Euplotidae as they relate to the morphogenesis of cortical structure are discussed.
TL;DR: Sporocysts of the coccidian Sarcocystis tennella, originally isolated in the feces of a coyote, were obtained from experimentally infected dogs and various developmental stages of first-generation meronts were found within cells located between the endothelium and internal elastic membrane of mesenteric arteries.
Abstract: Sporocysts of the coccidian Sarcocystis tennella were originally isolated in the feces of a coyote. Sporocysts used for inoculation of lambs were obtained from experimentally infected dogs. At 14, 16, and 19 days postinoculation (DPI) of lambs with the sporocysts, various developmental stages of first-generation meronts were found within cells located between the endothelium and internal elastic membrane of mesenteric arteries. At 19, 21, and 25 DPI, second-generation merogony occurred in cells associated with capillaries and arterioles of kidney glomeruli and convoluted tubules. Meronts of both generations were bounded by a double pellicular membrane and were situated free in the host cell cytoplasm. Merozoites formed by endopolygeny that involved multiple intranuclear spindles of a single, large irregular nucleus. First-generation meronts measured 22.6 x 17.1 micrometers (19-29.7 x 7.5-24 micrometers) and contained 120-240 merozoites, which measured 7.1 x 1.6 micrometers (4.8-7.5 x 1.3-1.8 micrometers). Corresponding values for second-generation meronts were 13.2 x 9.2 micrometers (8.3-15 x 7-13.5 micrometers), 32-80, and 5.8 1.7 micrometers (5.6-6.2 x 1.4-2.2 micrometers).
TL;DR: The presence of an intermediate host in at least E. funduli and the presence of sporozoites in macrophages of several eimerians of homoiotherms suggest a closer relationship between eimeriids and Lankesterella, Schellackia, and even the Haemosporina than previously assumed.
Abstract: In a few homoiothermic host species, Eimeria spp. in a schizogonic stage, a gamogonic stage, or as resting sporozoites infect nonepithelial tissues. However, epithelium serves as a critical site in the cycle of these and all other species known from warm-blooded hosts. Eimeria funduli, infecting at least four different killifishes, undergoes both schizogony and gamogony in non-epithelial hepatic and pancreatic cells and requires an invertebrate host to complete its cycle. Oocysts are not released from the living fish into the environment. The cycle for this species, or aspects of it, may exemplify those found in several piscine species infecting nonepithelial (and possibly epithelial) cells. Eimeriu funduli differs from most species of Eimeria infecting homoiotherms in other respects, some of which may also characterize traits for piscine and other poikilotherm eimerians in general. Endogenous development is affected by temperature and host-age, sporogony occurs in the host, and infections occur in several related fishes. The presence of an intermediate host in at least E. funduli and the presence of sporozoites in macrophages of several eimerians of homoiotherms, as well as other features, suggest a closer relationship between eimeriids and Lankesterella, Schellackia, and even the Haemosporina than previously assumed.
TL;DR: The reduction in length of the life cycle in owls fed infected mice provides evidence that both indirect and direct life cycles can occur in this species and suggests that parallels exist in the lives of various isosporid, eimeriid, and other coccidia that may not have been sufficiently appreciated in the past.
Abstract: The life cycle of Caryospora bubonis was studied in the Great Horned Owl. Owls fed sporulated oocysts became patent on days 8–13, and peak oocyst production occurred between days 14 and 18. Owls fed infected mice became patent on days 8–10, and peak oocyst production occurred between days 9 and 13. The reduction in length of the life cycle in owls fed infected mice provides evidence that both indirect and direct life cycles can occur in this species and suggests that parallels exist in the lives of various isosporid, eimeriid, and other coccidia that may not have been sufficiently appreciated in the past.
TL;DR: The longitudinal flagellum of Ceratium tripos moves in two dissimilar ways: undulation and retraction, which is triggered by mechanical stimulation on the cell body, especially at the tip of the apical horn.
Abstract: The longitudinal flagellum of Ceratium tripos moves in two dissimilar ways: undulation and retraction. The undulatory wave is planar and has a wavelength of 74.3 ± 9.6 μm and an amplitude of 14.2 ± 2.3 μm in sea water. The beat frequency is 30 Hz at 20°C, pH 8.0. The retractile motion is unique to Ceratium and is triggered by mechanical stimulation on the cell body, especially at the tip of the apical horn. When it retracts, the longitudinal flagellum folds every 4–5 μm along the flagellum. Cinematographic study showed that the flagellum folded from tip to base and was finally installed into the sulcus, a groove on the ventral side of the cell. This motion is completed in sea water within 28 msec. The retracted flagellum then re-extends and restores the undulation within a few seconds. The flagellum unfolds in the proximal portion first, then the distal, and finally the middle portion. Fixation always triggers the retraction. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the flagellum is folded and secondarily twisted in a helix. A new fiber in addition to the flagellar axoneme was found in the retracted flagellum by phase microscopy. This fiber (R-fiber) seems to contract during the retraction to fold the flagellum.
TL;DR: The somatic cortex of S spathula is similar to that reported for other Haptorida of the ciliate subclass Gymnostomata, and a three-dimensional reconstruction is included.
Abstract: The somatic cortex of Spathidium spathula is described ultrastructurally. The pellicle consists of an outer membrane and an underlying alveolar system. Numerous membrane-bound mucocysts and spherical electron-opaque bodies have similar circular sites of attachment to the outer membrane. Below these are a microfibrillar zone and an underlying region of rough ER. Mitochondria are lined up under the rough ER in longitudinal cortical ridges. Parasomal sacs are found near the basal bodies and are associated with cytoplasmic membranous sacs. Various microtubular and fiber systems are associated with single basal bodies: (1) a short kinetodesmal fiber; (2) two transverse microtubular ribbons and a transverse fiber; (3) a postciliary microtubular ribbon, initially sandwiched by two fibers, which gives rise to longitudinal subpellicular microtubules extending posteriorly for a distance of some four or five basal bodies; and (4) a system of overlapping subkinetal microtubules. A three-dimensional reconstruction is included. The somatic cortex of S spathula is similar to that reported for other Haptorida of the ciliate subclass Gymnostomata.
TL;DR: Although more amoebae were isolated in autumn, the number of Acanthamoeba species was lower than in spring, when the percent of pathogenic strains among the isolates was highest.
Abstract: During spring and autumn, the total number of amoebae and the number of acanthamoeba species able to grow at 37 degrees C were determined in six thermally polluted factory discharges and the surrounding surface waters. The isolated Acanthamoeba strains were studied for growth in axenic medium, cytopathic effect in Vero cell cultures, and virulence in mice. Although more amoebae were isolated in autumn, the number of Acanthamoeba species was lower than in spring, when the percent of pathogenic strains among the isolates was highest. Higher concentrations of amoebae were found in warm discharges, and more virulent strains occurred in thermal discharges than in surface waters.
TL;DR: Prorocentrum micans Ehrenberg, a free-living marine dinoflagellate, was used to test the intracellular toxic action of cadmium and exhibited vacuolations, increased numbers of lysosomes, and severe mitochondrial damage.
Abstract: Prorocentrum micans Ehrenberg, a free-living marine dinoflagellate, was used to test the intracellular toxic action of cadmium. The cells were cultivated in Erdschreiber medium, with Cd concentrations of 10–100 ppb. Thin sections of treated cells, examined ultramicroscopically, exhibited vacuolations, increased numbers of lysosomes, and severe mitochondrial damage. The first two alterations are a general response to toxicity; the third is Cd specific. Although some chloroplasts were affected by Cd, they were not very sensitive to its action. The nuclear apparatus was not morphologically affected.
TL;DR: It is concluded that these enzymes are not obligatory for parasite multiplication in the vertebrate host, as parasite doubling times and maximum parasitaemias were the same for all four parasite populations.
Abstract: A virulent strain of Babesia bovis ("L" strain) was rendered avirulent by irradiation with 35 krads with a gamma source. Another virulent strain of B. bovis ("C" strain) was made avirulent by rapid blood passage through 12 splenectomised calves. Both the parent virulent and their respective avirulent strains were injected into susceptible cattle. A nonfatal disease was observed in those intact cattle that had received avirulent parasites; however, a fatal disease was produced in those animals that had received virulent parasites and in splenectomised calves that had received avirulent parasites. Blood kinin levels rose and plasma kininogen levels fell significantly in those animals infected with both virulent strains. Nonsignificant changes occurred with these parameters in animals infected with avirulent parasites. Preparations of disrupted parasites were obtained from the four parasite populations. Both virulent strains contained high levels of protease. The avirulent forms contained insignificant amounts. As parasite doubling times and maximum parasitaemias were the same for all four parasite populations, we conclude that these enzymes are not obligatory for parasite multiplication in the vertebrate host. Their role in producing pathological changes in the host is discussed.
TL;DR: Direct assay of p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity in homogenate fractions showed that acid phosphat enzyme activity was strongly membrane-bound, but that activity at pH 9 was minimal in both soluble and particulate fractions.
Abstract: . Phosphatase activity in Trypanosoma rhodesiense has been examined histochemically by light and electron microscopy and by enzymatic assay in homogenate fractions. Using a method with lead as capture ion, acid phosphatase was found in lysosome-like vesicles and in the flagellar pocket. No alkaline adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) was detectable by this method. Direct assay of p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity in homogenate fractions showed that acid phosphatase activity was strongly membrane-bound, but that activity at pH 9 was minimal in both soluble and particulate fractions. “Endogenous” ATPase activity was localized specifically and reproducibly in the mitochondrial membranes and under the plasma membrane of the flagellum. This nonenzymic reaction product could not be eradicated by glycerol extraction or glucose depletion. Unlike the membrane staining, which was manifest only after lead treatment, heat-resistant electron-dense material was found in the matrix of lysosomal vesicles in trypanosomes fixed in glutaraldehyde only and not subjected to further treatment with heavy metal reagents. X-ray emission analysis showed the presence of calcium and phosphorus, indicating that the matrix might have a phosphate storage function.
TL;DR: In its amoeboid stage, Protacanthamoeba caledonica n.
Abstract: In its amoeboid stage, Protacanthamoeba caledonica n. g., n. sp. closely resembles the genus Acanthamoeba, on both light- and electron-microscopical levels, including possession of a centrosphere with a plaque-shaped centriole-like body. The cyst wall differs from that of Acanthamoeba in lack of preformed exit pores and in fine structure; the occasional apparent division into exocyst and endocyst is due to irregular splitting. The strain isolated from a Scottish estuary did not grow at 37°C and did not grow normally on agar made with 25% sea water, but cysts remained viable after a week in full-strength sea water. Protacanthamoeba n. g. is distinguished from Acanthamoeba on the basis of cyst structure, but it is assigned to the family Acanthamoebidae.
TL;DR: The endogenous development of Eimeria christenseni was studied in 10 two-to four-week-old kids inoculated with 10(6)-10(7) sporulated oocysts and was found to be pathogenic, kids exhibited the following signs: severe diarrhea, anorexia, polydipsia, poor hair coat, and extreme weakness.
Abstract: The endogenous development of Eimeria christenseni was studied in 10 two-to four-week-old kids inoculated with 10(6)-10(7) sporulated oocysts. They were killed at intervals from two to 26 days after inoculation, and their tissues were examined for endogenous stages of the coccidian by light microscopy. Such stages were found in the small intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes. In the sexual cycle, two generations of meronts were found. The first generation developed in endothelial cells of lacteals in the jejunum In the sexual cycle, two generations of meronts were found. The first generation developed in endothelial cells of lacteals in the jejunun and ileum and mesenteric lymph nodes, and mature meronts were first seen 14 days after inoculation. The second generation developed in epithelial cells of the glands of Lieberkuehn in the jejunum and ileum and in mesenteric lymph nodes, and its mature meronts were first seen by 16 days. Sexual stages were present mostly in epithelial cells of the tips and sides of the villi and less frequently in crypt cells of the jejunum and ileum. Mature macrogametes and microgamonts and oocysts were also first seen by 16 days. The prepatent period was 17(14-23) days; the patent ranged from 8 to more than 30 days. Sporulation time was 3-4 days at 30 degrees C. E. christenseni was found to be pathogenic, kids inoculated with 1-5 X 10(5) sporulated oocysts exhibited the following signs: severe diarrhea, anorexia, polydipsia, poor hair coat, and extreme weakness. They recovered about a month later, but their growth rates appeared to be lower than those of uninoculated animals kept under the same conditions. One kid died 20 days after inoculation with 10(7) oocysts.
TL;DR: With the exception of the internal completion of the pellicle of the final generation merozoites, the basic processes of merogony in fish Eimeria species are similar to those recorded in terrestrial hosts.
Abstract: Fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas, raised from eggs in the laboratory, were experimentally infected with oocysts of Eimeria iroquoina from either P. promelas or the common shiner, Notropis cornutus. Within intestinal epithelial cells, trophozoites thought to be derived from the sporozoites contained a prominent electron-dense refractile body. Merozoites dedifferentiated into trophic forms by losing components of their apical complex and pellicle. The inner membrane components of the pellicle appeared discontinuous, and the micronemes became enclosed within vacuoles. Prior to merozoite formation, multinucleate meronts were limited by a single membrane. Golgi complexes were associated with the nuclei of this stage. Merozoites were formed by ectomerogony in one generation and by endomerogony in the final generation. In both forms of merogony the final nuclear division was coupled with the onset of differentiation of the merozoites and featured eccentric mitotic spindles associated with centrocones located within the nuclear envelope and with the precursors of the apical complex. A Golgi complex was closely associated with the nucleus and apical tip of the forming merozoite. Unlike other Eimeria species, the complete pellicle of the merozoites of the final asexual generation of E. iroquoina was formed within the cytoplasm of the meront, without association with the limiting membrane, thus, all pellicular components are synthesized de novo. The inner membranes of the pellicle initially appeared as longitudinal strips, each of which was associated with a pair of the 22–24 subpellicular microtubules. Mature meronts of the final asexual generation averaged 9 μm in diameter and produced 13–16 merozoites. With the exception of the internal completion of the pellicle of the final generation merozoites, the basic processes of merogony in fish Eimeria species are similar to those recorded in terrestrial hosts.
TL;DR: Ionophore antibiotics, which dominate the use of drugs in domestic animals, are extensively used against coccidial infections of poultry where they are an important factor in intensive husbandry and may have applications in ruminants.
Abstract: The use of drugs in domestic animals is dominated by considerations of cost-effectiveness and profitability. They are extensively used against coccidial infections of poultry where they are an important factor in intensive husbandry. Ionophore antibiotics, which dominate this field, may have applications in ruminants. Imidocarb is of therapeutic and prophylactic value against babesial infections and there are new prospects for control of theileriasis. Effective drugs for the control of African trypanosomiasis are limited and attention is being given to alternative uses of available compounds.