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Fig. 4 | Malaria Journal

Fig. 4

From: Species-specific escape of Plasmodium sporozoites from oocysts of avian, rodent, and human malarial parasites

Fig. 4

Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites escaping from oocysts. a P. falciparum oocysts, with numerous completely smooth oocysts (white asterisks) and wrinkled oocysts (black asterisks) protruding among muscle fibers (Mfb), trachea (Tra), and tracheoles (Tch) that rests on the external surface of the midgut. Magnification = ×350. b High-power magnification of the dashed area from figure a showing a group of four oocysts attached to the midgut. It is possible to observe surface details of two completely smooth oocysts (S-ooc) and two wrinkled oocysts (W-ooc). Magnification = ×800. c Enlarged image of a small portion of the initial process of a single sporozoite actively escaping from a completely smooth oocyst (S-ooc) by creating a hole (arrows). Note the rigid perpendicular shape of the escaping sporozoite and the anterior tip (large arrow) of the parasite (large arrow). Magnification = ×3000. d One completely smooth oocyst (S-ooc) with small broken areas (arrows) showing a group of twelve escaping sporozoites (Spz). Magnification = ×3500. e Flattened opened oocyst (Op-ooc) showing a lateral opening (asterisk) with a cluster of escaping sporozoites (Spz) that remain inside. Note hemocytes attached to the oocyst wall (arrows) and folded areas (asterisks) of the oocyst surface. Magnification = ×1300. f Enlarged image of the dashed area from figure e showing the oocyst opening and several escaping sporozoites (Spz). Note the “comma-shaped” sporozoites. Oocyst = Op-ooc. Magnification = ×6000. g Flattened empty oocyst (E-ooc) showing the lateral opening (asterisk). No sporozoites can be seen inside or around the oocyst opening. Magnification = ×1800

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