Morphology of Giardia agilis: observation by scanning electron microscopy and interference reflexion microscopy

The flagellated protozoan, Giardia agilis, was isolated from tadpole small intestine and examined by scanning electron microscopy and interference reflexion microscopy. The general morphology of the G. agilis trophozoite is similar to G. muris and G. duodenalis, but with modifications that reflect its elongated form. Interference reflexion microscopic analysis of attachment of G. agilis reveals a pattern of focal contacts by the lateral crest of the ventral disc, the ventrolateral flange, the lateral shield, and by numerous microvillus-like appendages found along the lateral border of the trophozoite. The pattern of focal contacts was observed to be dynamic; trophozoites were observed to make and break the focal contacts in a relatively short time and to glide along the surface of the substratum without breaking focal contacts.