PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Daniele Dionisio
AU  - Lidia Ibba Manneschi
AU  - Simonetta di Lollo
AU  - Alessandra Orsi
AU  - Alessia Tani
AU  - Alessandra Papucci
AU  - Francesco Esperti
AU  - Francesco Leoncini
TI  - <em>Strongyloides stercoralis</em>: ultrastructural study of newly hatched larvae within human duodenal mucosa
AID  - 10.1136/jcp.53.2.110
DP  - 2000 Feb 01
TA  - Journal of Clinical Pathology
PG  - 110--116
VI  - 53
IP  - 2
4099  - http://jcp.bmj.com/content/53/2/110.short
4100  - http://jcp.bmj.com/content/53/2/110.full
SO  - J Clin Pathol2000 Feb 01; 53
AB  - Aim—To investigate the ultrastructural features of the newly hatched larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis in human duodenal mucosa. Methods—Duodenal biopsies from an AIDS patient were studied by transmission electron microscopy to investigate morphology, location, and host–worm relations of newly hatched larvae. Results—Newly hatched larvae were found in the Lieberkuhn crypts within the tunnels formed by migration of parthenogenic females. Delimiting enterocytes were compressed. Release of larvae into the gut lumen was also documented. It was shown that both a thin and a thick membrane surrounded the eggs and larvae, as a tegument derived respectively from parasite and host. Segmentary spike-like waves, caused by contractures of worm body musculature, were observed on the surface of newly hatched larvae, and their intestinal lumen was closed and empty, with no budding microvilli. Immaturity of the cuticle and some degree immaturity of amphidial neurones were found, but there was no evidence of either immaturity or signs of damage to other structures. Conclusions—Newly hatched larvae of S stercoralis appear to be a non-feeding immature stage capable of active movement through the epithelium, causing mechanical damage. The tegument resulting from the thin and the thick membrane may protect the parasite and reduce any disadvantage caused by immaturity.