Description
Ovoid or cigar-shaped cell body (5-1 0 1-1m) tapered posteriorly bearing 6 anterior flagella 11 32 DIPLOMONADID and 2 posterior trailing ones (Figs. 8b , 9) . Spironucleus was distinguished from Hexamita and Octomitus on the basis that its nuclei were S shape or slightly spiralled and more elongated than Hexamita (Lavier , 1936). Electron microscopy has confirmed the shape of the nuclei which present an anterior knob. The basal bodies of the flagella are inserted at the base of these knobs which are surrounded by the supra- nuclear fibers (Fig. 3e). The 2 recurrent flagella in their canal run between the 2 nuclei (Fig . 3f) in contrast to Hexamita where they are located on the external face of the nuclei. There are 2 to 3 microtubular fibers around the canals and a dense lamina but not much rough endoplasmic reticulum . Complex structures around the posterior cytostomal openings have been observed. These organisms are intestinal parasites ; they feed on digested food. They form ovoid cysts with a thick cyst wall . At least 3 species identified. They live in the intestine of various vertebrates such as S. e/egans from amphibians (Grasse, 1952) and fishes (Becker , 1977). Some are pathogenic such asS. muris for mice and S. me/eagridis for turkeys. A list of species is given in Kulda and Nohynkova ( 1 9 7 8) . Several species have been studied by electron microscopy: S. elegans from amphibians (Brugerolle et al. , 1974a) , S. intestinalis from mice (Brugerolle et al. , 1980) , S. torosa from fishes (Poynton and Morrison, 1990; Poynton et al. , 1995; Sterud , 1998; Sterud et al. , 1997). SUBFAMILY GIARDIINAE Genera of this subfamily have no cytostome.
Type species
Figures
No linked figures.
Raw text
Ovoid or cigar-shaped cell body (5-1 0 1-1m) tapered posteriorly bearing 6 anterior flagella 11 32 DIPLOMONADID and 2 posterior trailing ones (Figs. 8b , 9) . Spironucleus was distinguished from Hexamita and Octomitus on the basis that its nuclei were S shape or slightly spiralled and more elongated than Hexamita (Lavier , 1936). Electron microscopy has confirmed the shape of the nuclei which present an anterior knob. The basal bodies of the flagella are inserted at the base of these knobs which are surrounded by the supra- nuclear fibers (Fig. 3e). The 2 recurrent flagella in their canal run between the 2 nuclei (Fig . 3f) in contrast to Hexamita where they are located on the external face of the nuclei. There are 2 to 3 microtubular fibers around the canals and a dense lamina but not much rough endoplasmic reticulum . Complex structures around the posterior cytostomal openings have been observed. These organisms are intestinal parasites ; they feed on digested food. They form ovoid cysts with a thick cyst wall . At least 3 species identified. They live in the intestine of various vertebrates such as S. e/egans from amphibians (Grasse, 1952) and fishes (Becker , 1977). Some are pathogenic such asS. muris for mice and S. me/eagridis for turkeys. A list of species is given in Kulda and Nohynkova ( 1 9 7 8) . Several species have been studied by electron microscopy: S. elegans from amphibians (Brugerolle et al. , 1974a) , S. intestinalis from mice (Brugerolle et al. , 1980) , S. torosa from fishes (Poynton and Morrison, 1990; Poynton et al. , 1995; Sterud , 1998; Sterud et al. , 1997). SUBFAMILY GIARDIINAE Genera of this subfamily have no cytostome.