[Ultrastructure of goose intestinal epithelial cells infected with Eimeria kotlani]

The ultrastructure of goose intestinal epithelial cells infected with various stages of E. kotlani has been described. No changes in the ultrastructure of the nucleus and cytoplasm were detected in cells, containing asexual stages. Damage of host cell structures, except Golgi complex, was not observed until gamogenesis. It is suggested that these changes are caused by the intensive "exploitation" of differentiated epithelial cells by large coccidian stages (macro- and microgametocytes). It is concluded that the epithelial cell of the goose, as of other animals, may function beyond crypts without the regulating influence of the nucleus.