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Schistosoma mansoni: evaluation of selected preparative procedures for transmission and scanning electron microscopy
Abstract:
Evaluation of numerous procedures for collection and preparation of Schistosoma mansoni for scanning (SEM) and transmission microscopy (TEM) revealed that some commonly used methods result in introduction of osmotic or mechanical damage. Modification and selection of appropriate procedures allowed elimination of these artifacts. Not eliminated by these procedures, however, were several kinds of spheres and blebs that were either external to the apical plasma membrane of the tegument or budding from it. After careful examination of all procedures, we concluded that these spheres appear to some extent on all schistosomes prepared for either SEM or TEM and may represent either a normal component of the schistosome surface, a constant host contaminant, or an artifact not eliminated by any of the multiple modifications of technique examined.
Insights
Researchers optimized methods for preparing Schistosoma mansoni for microscopy, reducing artifacts. However, surface spheres and blebs persisted, possibly representing normal structures, contaminants, or uneliminated artifacts.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Electron Microscopy
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Schistosoma mansoni is a parasitic flatworm causing schistosomiasis.
- Accurate ultrastructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is crucial for understanding parasite biology.
- Common preparation techniques can introduce artifacts, complicating interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and optimize procedures for collecting and preparing Schistosoma mansoni for SEM and TEM.
- To identify and differentiate preparation artifacts from genuine surface structures.
- To investigate the nature of persistent spheres and blebs observed on the parasite surface.
Main Methods:
- Systematic evaluation of various collection and preparation protocols for Schistosoma mansoni.
- Application of modified and selected procedures to minimize osmotic and mechanical damage.
- Detailed examination of parasite surfaces using SEM and TEM to identify artifacts and surface features.
Main Results:
- Optimized procedures successfully eliminated common osmotic and mechanical artifacts.
- Spheres and blebs, external or budding from the apical plasma membrane of the tegument, were consistently observed.
- These structures were present across all tested preparation methods, including modified ones.
Conclusions:
- The persistent spheres and blebs on Schistosoma mansoni may represent a normal component of the parasite's surface.
- Alternatively, these structures could be a consistent host contaminant or an artifact not eliminated by current techniques.
- Further investigation is required to definitively determine the origin of these surface features.