The fine structure of merozoites of Babesia bovis in the gut epithelium of Boophilus microplus

Abstract

Electron microscopic studies on merozoites of Babesia bovis in epithelial cells of the gut of Boophilus microplus revealed that the pellicle apparently consists of 3 membranes, and an osmiophilic layer intimately associated with microtubules. Micropores in the pellicle were often associated with micronemes. An unidentified tubular structure extended from the anterior polar ring to the nuclear region where it appeared to be associated with the nuclear envelope. A Golgi complex, typical protozoan mitochondria, food vacuoles and rhoptries could not be identified.