Use of scanning electron microscopy coupled with transmission electron microscopy in comparative studies of the relation between Schistosoma mansoni and Salmonella typhimurium
Bouillard, C.; Miegeville, M.; Vermeil, C.
Comptes Rendus des Seances de la Societe de Biologie et de ses Filiales 177(2): 149-157
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-9026 PMID: 6224535 Document Number: 202959
The interactions between S. mansoni and Salmonella typhimurium were observed in mice with experimental salmonellosis by SEM and in vitro, by SEM and transmission EM. The folds of the dorsal median cuticle of adult male schistosomes provided ideal sites for proliferating bacterial microcolonies which did not occur on schistosomula nor on females. The latter were only covered with a single layer of non-proliferating bacteria. In the male cuticular folds, tegumental crypts are formed which provide a schistosomal mould adapted to the morphology of the bacteria. Simultaneously, the trilamellar structure of the bacteria thickens and forms filaments which firmly attach the bacteria to the cuticle of the schistosome. Eventually, there is partial or total integration of the bacterium into the tegumental layer of the schistosome which apparently provides protection against the host immune response and the effect of drugs. It is also possible that the schistosome provides substances necessary to bacterial metabolism. Similar events were observed with S. enteriditis but not with Escherichia coli.