[Light microscopic studies on the development of Theileria annulata (Dschunkowsky and Luhs, 1904) in Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum (Koch, 1844). I. The development in the gut of engorged nymphs (author's transl)]

Abstract

A laboratory strain of H. a. excavatum was selected on high susceptibility for T. annulata through several generations. Giemsa-stained smears and wet smears of gut and gut content were studied. After engorgement of erythrocytic stages of T. annulata by the nymphs the following development was observed: 1. Erythrocytic merozoites developed to slender, spindleshaped "microgamonts" in the gut 24 to 96 hours after repletion (p. repl.). Spherical stages with a conspicuous spike developed at the same time and earlier. The "microgamonts" then form up to 4 nuclei and several flagella-like appendices. Filiform "microgametes" obviously develop from the "microgamonts". In addition, spherical stages, i.e. "macrogametes", occur. 2. Spherical "zygotes" with a vacuole-like center appear in the epithelial cells of the gut from day 5 p. repl. These "zygotes" increase steadily in size and then stain more intensely up to day 12 p. repl. 3. From day 12 p. repl. the spherical "Zygotes" change to elongate forms by a continuing process of folding. Finally, from day 13 p. repl., they extend to clubshaped kinetes. These kinetes move actively by gliding within the gut cells and from day 17 p. repl. in the haemolymph. It could not be decided yet whether these kinetes are oo- or sporokinetes.