Polysaccharides in the different stages of the life-cycles of certain sporozoa

Abstract

Glycogen proved to be absent in the malaria parasites (Plasmodium and Hepatocystis) by applying cytochemical methods; while in the piroplasms (Theileria and Babesia), and in Hepatozoon glycogen could be demonstrated by using the same methods. A strong positive reaction for polysaccharides was obtained in the residual masses of Hepatozoon sciuri, and H. balfouri; while a negative reaction was obtained in the residual mass of Plasmodium. A positive reaction for polysaccharides was obtained in the following structures: the wall of the oocysts of Plasmodium, the gametocyte capsules of Hepatozoon sciuri and Hepatozoon sp., the sporoblast capsule of H. sciuri, and the polar areas of the gametocyte of H. balfouri.