THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE INTESTINAL MICROVILLOUS BORDER IN THE COMMON VOLE (MICROTUS-ARVALIS) NATURALLY INFECTED WITH GIARDIA-MICROTI

The anterior jejunum from common vole naturally infected with Giardia microti (Kofoid et Christiansen, 1915) was examined by TEM and compare d with the anterior jejunum from control (metronidazole-treated, Giard ia-free) common voles (Pallas, 1778). Giardia microti infection result ed in significant diffuse shortening of microvilli and significant gre ater microvillous diameters. In addition, deformations of the microvil li were observed at the margin of the ventral disc. The microvilli att ached to the lateral crest of the ventral disc were vesiculated with a disorganised filamentous core and contained whorled structures resemb ling ''myelin-like figures''. The findings are discussed in context of the Giardia-epithelial cell interaction.