Observations on the early relationship between Moniliformis dubius (Acanthocephala) and the haemocytes of the intermediate host, Periplaneta americana

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Abstract
An electron microscope study has been made of some of the events which occur during the beginning of the relationship between Moniliformis dubius and its intermediate host, Periplaneta americana. The acanthor penetrates through the intestinal wall and is encapsulated by host haemocytes. This encapsulation is typical of the haemocytic reaction of insects to foreign bodies. A proliferation of the acanthor's surface membrane then takes place and forms a coat of microvilli. The formation of this coat by the parasite is accompanied by the dispersion or disintegration or both of the encapsulating haemocytes. The coat of microvilli constitutes a major component of the envelope surrounding early larval stages of M. dubius. There is no evidence for the presence of host connective tissue in the envelope.We are grateful to Dr A. V. Grimstone, Department of Zoology, for use of the electron microscope, and to Mr David Barnard and Miss Valerie Furber for technical assistance. We thank Dr George Salt, F.R.S. for his criticism of the manuscript.