Fine structure of Tetratrichomonas limacis (Dujardin)

Abstract

The fine structure of a trichomonad parasite, Tetratrichomonas limacis, which lives in the hepatopancreas of Otala lactea (Gastropoda) has been described. This flagellate has four anterior flagella and a recurrent flagellum. The structural and spatial relationships of the kinetosomal apparatus have been studied. All kinetosomes show cartwheel-like arrangement. There are two parabasal filaments of type A. The costa is of type B but has a periodicity of 600–800 Å. The undulating membrane is fairly well developed and the recurrent flagellum is closely associated with it. Internalization of flagella is seen in a few cases. A small periflagellar canal is present. Occasionally this trichomonad will extend pseudopods on to the secretory surface of the digestive cells of the hepatopancreas of Otala lactea.