Microspines on Schistosoma japonicum and S. haematobium egg shells

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Abstract
Microspines 0·05 μm long and 0·002 μm in diameter at the base have been demonstrated on the egg shells of S. japonicum. They are protrusions of the shell but are structured into inner and outer layers of differing electron density.Spines observed on the shell of S. haematobium can be flexed by contact with host cell membranes. Firm, perhaps binding, contact is suggested. The spine length serves to define a space between the shell wall and the host cell membrane which could represent the primary interface of host parasitic contact.