Observation of symbiote migration in human body lice with scanning and transmission electron microscopy

Bacterial symbiotes in the human body louse Pediculus humanus migrate from the mycetome to the lateral oviducts during the adult molt. Their migration was first described by Ries (E. Ries. 1931. Z. Morphol. Oekol. Tiere, 20:233-367.), who examined sectioned specimens with light microscopy. The present study is a more detailed investigation which involves the use of scanning and transmission electron micrographs. The results of our studies confirm Ries' observations. Micrographs are presented of symbiotes emerging from the mycetome, migrating to the reproductive tract, and invading the lateral oviducts.