Scanning electron microscopy of adult Schistosoma incognitum

Abstract

The integumental surfaces of adult Schistosoma incognitum were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The anterior part of the male which bears oral and ventral suckers is spongy in appearance due to the presence of ridges, while the middle and posterior parts are covered with numerous bosses with variable numbers of spines. Surfaces between bosses possess tegumental papillae. Bosses disappear at the edge of the gynecophoral canal which is composed of ridges. They are replaced by variable forms of papillae. The lining of the gynecophoral canal is composed of ridges and papillae, free of spines, with a small number of sensory bulbs. The female tegument is relatively smooth and appears to be pitted with minute spines around the oral and ventral suckers. The posterior end of the body, in the vicinity of the excretory pore, is composed of prominent anteriorly directed spines with trabeculae and sensory bulbs.