Electron microscopic studies of the development of kinetes in Theileria annulata Dschunkowsky & Luhs, 1904 (Sporozoa, Piroplasmea)

Abstract

Gamogony of Theileria annulata Dschunkowsky & Luhs occurs within the intestine of nymphs of the tick Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum Koch. After the 5th day post repletionem (p.r.) of the ticks spherical and ovoid parasites were found within the intestinal cells. These stages were thought to represent fertilized macrogametes. These underwent a transformation process leading ultimately to the differentiation of a motile stage, the kinete, which leaves the intestinal cells on the 14th-17th day p.r. and penetrates the alveoles of the salivary glands. The transformation of the stationary into a motile stage takes place by formation of a growing protrusion (= anlage) into an inner, enlarging vacuole. During this process the limiting membrane of the vacuole serves as the outer membrane of the developing motile stage, whereas the 2 inner membranes of its pellicle are newly formed. The steps of this differentiation in T. annulata are compared to the process of ookinete formation in haemosporina.