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Giardia lamblia behavior during encystment: how morphological changes in shape occur.

Victor Midlej¹, Marlene Benchimol

¹Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Morfológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.

Parasitology International

|December 17, 2008

Summary

Giardia parasites transform from motile trophozoites to immotile cysts. This study details the cell shape changes and flagella disappearance during Giardia encystation using advanced microscopy techniques.

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Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Parasitology
Microscopy

Background:

Giardia parasites adapt for survival outside the host by forming cysts.
Encystation involves significant morphological changes, including alterations in cell shape and flagella.
The precise mechanisms of Giardia shape change and flagella disappearance during encystation are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the step-by-step process of Giardia trophozoite transformation into a cyst.
To describe the cellular mechanisms driving shape changes and flagella internalization during encystation.
To provide a temporal sequence of morphological modifications during Giardia encystation.

Main Methods:

Videomicroscopy was employed to observe live cell dynamics.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for high-resolution imaging.
Specific procedures included plasma membrane removal to visualize the ventral disc.

Main Results:

A temporal sequence of Giardia encystation was established, detailing gradual modifications.
Membrane growth of the flange was identified as a key factor in cell shape alteration.
Flagella internalization and the formation of an operculum were observed and documented.
High-resolution SEM revealed modifications in the ventral disc spiral structure.

Conclusions:

The study provides a detailed temporal and mechanistic understanding of Giardia encystation.
Morphological changes, including flange membrane growth and flagella internalization, are crucial for cyst formation.
Advanced microscopy techniques offer new insights into the complex life cycle of Giardia parasites.