Ultrastructure of Sarcocystis spp. from donkeys (Equus asinus) in Egypt

The fine structure of Sarcocystis spp. from donkeys (Equus asinus) in Egypt is described. Sarcocysts were found in the oesophagus, diaphragm and heart of 18 of 20 donkeys. Only one type of mature muscle cyst was found. Sarcocysts were 120-410.6 X 48.4-50.2 microns. The primary cyst wall had numerous 3.3-3.7 microns villi. Each villus contained 20-60 fibrillar elements which extended from the ends and sides of the villi throughout the ground substance, where they became tightly packed. The bundles of fibrillar elements formed junctions with the pellicles of the metrocytes. Ultrastructurally, Sarcocystis spp. of the donkey was similar to sarcocysts previously described from the horse.