Fine structure of sporogonic stages of Goussia clupearum (Apicomplexa : Eimeriidae) in the liver of infected fish (Belone belone L.), using light andelectron microscopy
C. Azevedo, Fine structure of sporogonic stages of Goussia clupearum (Apicomplexa : Eimeriidae) in the liver of infected fish (Belone belone L.), using light andelectron microscopy, PARASIT RES, 87(4), 2001, pp. 326-330
A coccidian species, Goussia clupearum (L.) is reported to parasitize the l
iver of a new host. Belone helone (Teleostei: Belonidae), caught on the Atl
antic coast at the north of Portugal. The parasitophorous vacuole containin
g oocysts was attached to the host's liver cells. Spherical oocysts (simila
r to 21.2 mum diameter), each containing four ellipsoidal elongated sporocy
sts (10.5 x 6.3 mum), were enclosed in the parasitophorous vacuole. Each sp
orocyst contained two sporozoites. The micropyle was absent, but a polar gr
anule (without Stieda body) was present. Each sporozoite possessed four ref
ractile bodies. During sporoblastogenesis and sporogenesis, one or two dens
e polar bodies were found within the oocysts. They were composed of a dense
homogeneous core, surrounded by a ring of dense granular material. On occa
sion, we observed some sporocysts in direct contact with host cells. This p
aper describes the morphology and ultrastructural details of the oocysts, s
porocysts and sporozoites of G. clupearum. This species seems to represent
the only coccidium described in fish from this Atlantic coast.