Schistosoma mansoni: a scanning electron microscope study of the developing schistosomulum

Abstract

SUMMARYThe surface morphology of schistosomula extracted from the skin, lungs and hepatic portal system (hps) of mice was investigated from Days 0 to 18 post-infection. Skin schistosomula and newly arrived schistosomula from the hps were of similar dimensions but were morphologically distinct. Lung schistosomula were considerably elongated with an estimated 53% increase in surface area compared to skin schistosomula. The pitted tegument of lung schistosomula was formed into ridges and troughs. These were compressed together in contracted individuals recovered from the hps on Day 10. The annular ridges were cross-linked by longitudinal septae which possibly prevent further elongation of the body. A regression of the spines between the mouth and the ventral sucker was observed in Day 2 skin schistosomula. In lung schistosomula only the spines at the anterior and posterior of the body remained. New spines were formed after the schistosomula reached the hps. It is suggested that the spines in the mid-region of the body are selectively disassembled and that their loss facilitates migration along the lumina of capillaries with the residual spines acting as anterior and posterior anchors. The mouth opening was enlarged in schistosomula from the hps recovered from Day 10 onwards. Skin schistosomula lost the cercarial apical tegumentary ridges between 24 and 48 h after penetration but a spineless protrusible area remained. After arrival in the hps this area became integrated into the anterior surface as the oral sucker developed around the sub-terminal mouth. The cercarial ciliated papillae were lost on penetration. The migrating schistosomulum had few visible sensory papillae but following arrival in the hps new papillae were observed.