Scanning electron microscopy of the tegument of adult Schistosoma curassoni, and comparison with male S. bovis and S. haematobium from Senegal.

Scanning electron microscopical studies of adult male and female Schistosoma curassoni, male S. haematobium and male S. bovis are reported. The tubercles on the dorsal and dorso-lateral surfaces of male S. bovis are devoid of spines, whereas spines are present on the tubercles of male S. curassoni and S. haematobium. Some of the tubercles of S. curassoni and S. haematobium are completely covered in spines, whereas others have a spine-free apical area. Thus, on the isolates examined from Senegal it is concluded that adult male S. bovis can be easily distinguished from S. curassoni or S. haematobium on the basis of the structure of the tubercles. The surface of female S. curassoni is smooth, with transverse striations and a pitted appearance, apart from the posterior part where anteriorly pointing spines are found.