Abstract
Scanning electron microscopy of Blastocystis hominis showed that its outer coat has a fibrillar structure and individual fibrils may extend up to 5 μm from the periphery of the parasite. The surface coat remains intact during cell division. Bacteria are often seen adhering to it, but for the first time a trophozoite of Chilomastix mesnili was also seen in this position. It is postulated that breakdown of attached organisms may provide nutrients for Blastocystis.
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Received: 5 June 1999 / Accepted: 15 June 1999
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Zaman, V., Howe, J., Ng, M. et al. Scanning electron microscopy of the surface coat of Blastocystis hominis . Parasitol Res 85, 974–976 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004360050668
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004360050668