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Variation in the cyst morphology of Blastocystis hominis

V Zaman1, J Howe, M Ng

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.

Parasitology Research
|January 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Two forms of Blastocystis hominis cysts exist in human feces, differing in their outer fibrillar coat. This coat changes during maturation, revealing a distinct inner layer visible under electron microscopy.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Parasitology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Blastocystis hominis is a common intestinal parasite found in humans.
  • Cysts are the environmentally resistant stage of Blastocystis hominis.
  • Understanding cyst morphology is crucial for parasite transmission studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe and differentiate the two types of Blastocystis hominis cysts found in human feces.
  • To elucidate the structural changes and characteristics of the cyst wall during maturation.

Main Methods:

  • Fecal sample analysis.
  • High-magnification electron microscopy.
  • Comparative morphological study of cyst structures.

Main Results:

  • Two distinct Blastocystis hominis cyst types were identified based on the presence or absence of an outer fibrillar coat.
  • The outer fibrillar coat is transient and shed during cyst maturation.
  • A secondary, closely attached fibrillar coat becomes visible at high magnification in mature cysts.
  • The internal structures of both cyst types are morphologically similar.

Conclusions:

  • Blastocystis hominis exhibits distinct cyst morphotypes with dynamic changes in the outer fibrillar coat during maturation.
  • Electron microscopy is essential for visualizing the fine structural details of the cyst wall.
  • These findings contribute to a better understanding of Blastocystis hominis cyst biology and potentially its transmission dynamics.

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