Ultrastructure of symbiont-like microorganisms associated with the sperm of ixodid ticks

The endospermatophores found in the seminal receptacles of three species of Ixodid ticks: Hyalomma marginatum, H. dromedarii and Amblyomma hebraeum were examined. The seminal receptacles showed the presence of symbiont-like microorganisms in association with the sperm cells. These yeast-like microorganisms represent extracellular symbionts, produced by the male and introduced in the genital system of the female through copulation. The symbionts frequently occur freely in large agglomerations surrounded by a large amount of alpha-glycogen rosettes. They do not alter their shape nor do they attach to the sperm cells. Another kind of Rickettsia-like microorganisms is present in tissues of some tick organs. This could be a form of disease agents or naturally occurring microorganisms in the tissue of tick organs.