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The nature of bands in parasitized bovine erythrocytes
Abstract:
Anaplasma marginale is the etiological agent of a hemolytic disease of cattle, known as anaplasmosis. The organism appears as a marginal inclusion in parasitized erythrocytes, but certain isolates also have bands associated with the inclusion. Inclusions and associated bands in parasitized erythrocytes in the liver and peripheral circulation were studied by light microscope cytochemistry and electron microscopy. Bands were comet- and dumbbell-shaped by light microscopy and were stained by techniques used to demonstrate protein and fibrin. The same forms, as well as other shapes, were seen in infected erythrocytes which were sectioned and examined by electron microscopy. Bands had longitudinal and transverse periodicity. They did not appear to have a crystalline structure. Their appearance was collated with that of bovine fibrin. Bands were well differentiated in erythrocytes that were entensively hemolyzed by natural or artificial means, but poorly differentiated in mildly hemolyzed erythrocytes. Hemolysis methods appeared to influence the morphology of bands and their demonstration.
Insights
Anaplasma marginale causes bovine anaplasmosis. This study reveals associated bands within infected erythrocytes, likely protein or fibrin, whose appearance depends on hemolysis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Anaplasma marginale is the cause of bovine anaplasmosis, a hemolytic disease.
- Parasitized erythrocytes exhibit marginal inclusions, with some isolates showing associated bands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphology and composition of bands associated with Anaplasma marginale inclusions in cattle erythrocytes.
- To correlate band morphology with erythrocyte hemolysis and compare them to bovine fibrin.
Main Methods:
- Light microscope cytochemistry and electron microscopy were used to study inclusions and bands.
- Staining techniques for protein and fibrin were applied.
- Morphological comparison with bovine fibrin was performed.
Main Results:
- Bands appeared comet- and dumbbell-shaped under light microscopy and exhibited periodicity under electron microscopy.
- Bands stained positively for protein and fibrin, suggesting a similar composition to bovine fibrin.
- Band differentiation was dependent on the degree of erythrocyte hemolysis.
Conclusions:
- The associated bands are likely composed of protein or fibrin, with morphology influenced by hemolysis.
- Understanding these structures aids in diagnosing and understanding anaplasmosis pathology.