Nuclear changes preceding microgamete formation in Leucocytozoon simondi and Leucocytozoon tawaki

Authors:
  • SDS. S. Desser
    S. S. Desser
  • AFA. M. Fallis
    A. M. Fallis
  • FAF. R. Allison
    F. R. Allison
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Abstract
After the removal of blood that contained gametocytes from a duck and a penguin that were infected with Leucocytozoon simondi and L. tawaki respectively, the nuclei of microgametocytes undergo rapid changes before exflagellation. The nuclear chromatin of the parasite assumes a reticulate appearance after its escape from the host cell and soon contracts into a central, compact mass, then flagella begin to emerge from the peripheral cytoplasm. The chromatin divides and becomes dispersed, and a small portion enters each of the eight forming microgametes. This process may be completed in less than 1 min.