Fine Structure of Schistosome Eggs as Seen through the Scanning Electron Microscope

Abstract

Through a scanning electron microscope the eggs of Schistosoma japonicum were observed to have microvili-like chitinous projections densely distributed and entangled on the surface, each more than 3 mu in length and 0.05 to 0.08 mu in diameter. The microspines of eggs of S. mansoni and S. haematobium were found to be thicker, shorter, and less widespread than were those of S. japonicum eggs, and not entangled. It is noteworthy that such small projections on the surface of schistosome eggs remain erect in the critical point drying procedure.