Scanning electron microscopy of the tegumental surface of digenetic trematode Stephanostomum egypticum from the Red Sea fishes
Abdou, N.E.; Ashour, A.A.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology 30(1): 341-348
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 1110-0583 PMID: 10786045 Document Number: 516376
The surface topography of Stephanostomum egypticum, recovered from the intestines of Lethrinus mahsena and L. nebulosus from the Red Sea, was examined by scanning electron microscopy. There were 3 morphologically distinct types of spines: 40 flattened circumoral spines arranged in 2 circular rows; 40 longitudinal rows of prominent thick spines covering the area between the oral and ventral suckers; and rather flattened and sporadic integumental spines covering the body posterior to the ventral sucker. High magnification showed the spines to have either single or double points, with the first type the most frequent. Four types of sensory papillae are described: domed papillae around the suckers; small button-like papillae aggregated on the ventral sucker and near the bases of the spines; and short and long ciliated papillae near the posterior extremity. High magnification of the integumental surface showed it to be covered with several bleb-like structures. The functions of the integumental structures in S. egypticum is discussed.