Scanning electron microscopy of the surface coat of Blastocystis hominis

Abstract

Scanning electron microscopy of Blastocystis hominis showed that its outer coat has a fibrillar structure and individual fibrils may extend up to 5 μm from the periphery of the parasite. The surface coat remains intact during cell division. Bacteria are often seen adhering to it, but for the first time a trophozoite of Chilomastix mesnili was also seen in this position. It is postulated that breakdown of attached organisms may provide nutrients for Blastocystis.