[The functional characteristics of the ultrastructure of the outer membranes of opisthorchid eggs. 2. The mechanisms of egg retention on substrates].

The studies of the functional features of the ultrastructure of the outer membranes of Opisthorchis felineus and Clonorchis sinensis eggs have been continued. The variants of egg behavior on different substrates (artificial, natural, organic and inorganic) have been experimentally studied. It has been established that O. felineus and C. sinensis eggs retain on a number of substrates due to covering with microflora (e.g. fungus mycelium clinging to the rubbed surface of the egg outer membranes); sticking in the uneven surface of the substrate; catching in the uneven surface of the substrate; catching on microfibers of plant fragments. The features found are to a great extent caused by a complex comb-like structure of egg membranes and are interpreted in terms of the earlier unknown mechanisms of parasite adaptation (at the egg stage) facilitating its contact with molluscs--their intermediate hosts.