Scanning electron microscopy of the eggs of three human schistosomes.

FORD J. W. and BLANKESPOOR H. D. 1979. Scanning electron microscopy of the eggs of three human schistosomes. Znternational Journalfor Parasitology 9: 141-145. The surface of the eggs of Schistosoma haematobium, S. japonicum and S. mansoni, examined by scanning electron microscopy, are covered with microspines. The spines of S. mansoni and S. haematobium are essentially similar; however, in S. juponicum they are smaller and more densely distributed. A fibrous matrix, present on the surface of the eggs, is not host derived. This matrix may account for the stickiness of the eggs and the micospines may function to hold the matrix in place. INDEX