Ultrastructural study of penetration of macrophages by Toxoplasma gondii

Abstract

The fine structure of Toxoplasma gondii during penetration of macrophages is described. The anterior half of the extracellular parasite contains micronemes and elongate rhoptries with bulbous, alveolar posterior ends, a conoid, a nucleus, and mitochondria. The toxoplasma organism interrupted the host cell membrane with its anterior tip. During early penetration the anterior third of the parasite was constricted and surrounded by granular cell material. As the organism penetrated further a host membrane formed around it. A parasitophorous vacuole developed around later stages of the parasite. © 1972.