Ultrastructure of the intraerythrocytic stage of Cytauxzoon felis

Am J Vet Res. 1985 May;46(5):1178-80.

Abstract

The erythrocytes of 2 cats experimentally infected with Cytauxzoon felis were examined by light and electron microscopy. In stained blood smears, parasitized erythrocytes usually contained a single, roundish organism, but occasionally up to 4 were present in a cell. Chains of these roundish organisms also were seen. Elongated parasites, sometimes with ear-like projections, were present in a few erythrocytes. By electron microscopy, the parasite contained a poorly defined nucleus, rough endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, nonplicated mitochondria, food vacuoles, and a cytostome on its limiting membrane. Usually, the parasite was oval, but budding forms also were evident. Crystalloid inclusions were present in parasitized and nonparasitized erythrocytes.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apicomplexa / growth & development
  • Apicomplexa / ultrastructure*
  • Cat Diseases / parasitology*
  • Cats
  • Cattle
  • Erythrocytes / parasitology*
  • Erythrocytes / ultrastructure
  • Inclusion Bodies / ultrastructure
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Organoids / ultrastructure
  • Theileriasis / parasitology