Scanning electron microscopy of Trichuris trichura

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies have been carried out on adult and ova of T. trichura to provide the additional topographical details which are not obtainable by the light microscopy. The egg of T. trichura has a chitinous shell which consists of layers of dense lamellae and bordered by a limiting membrane. An operculum and a collar made of chitin form the opercular area. The lamallae of the egg shell are diffuse with numerous micropores. Cuticular pores are found scattering on the surface of the adult T. trichuira. The spicule sheath in male is cylindrical and covered with spines of different shape, size and distribution along its length. Spines are compact proximally, reduced in number on the middle part and lacking distally. SEM of the cloacal part showed paracloacal papillae.