Ultrastructure of the Microfilaria of Onchocerca volvulus from Mexico

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Abstract
Microfilariae of O. volvulus were isolated from subcutaneous nodules of patients living in Chiapas, Mexico. Measurements on the length, width and position of significant structures of the microfilaria were obtained by light microscopical examination of specimens stained with iron hematoxylin. Nomarsky interference contrast optics and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the surface features of the microfilaria. Transmission electron microscopy of thin sections revealed the main morphological features of O. volvulus. The fine structure of the amphids, phasmids, cephalic papillae, muscle cells, undifferentiated cells, nerve ring and anal apparatus was similar to that reported by others for a variety of Filarioidea. No buccal capsule or inner body were found. Amphidial channels contained 5-6 cilia, whereas a single cilium was observed in phasmidial channels. The morphological features here reported for an American strain of O. volvulus microfilaria can be used for comparison with African strains. Knowledge of these and other taxonomic criteria will help to determine the unity or duality of the causative agent of human onchocerciasis in America and Africa.

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