Bacteria-like structures in the endoplasm of Gregarina garnhami (Eugregarinida, Protozoa).

An investigation of bacteria-like structures, which are found in large numbers in the endoplasm of the eurgregarine, Gregarina garnhami, was carried out using light and electron microscopy. Gram staining indicates that these structures are gram negative; they show orange fluorescence when stained with acridine orange. Ultrastructural observations show that they resemble the endosymbiotic bacteria found in other protozoan species. Some of these structures appear to be dividing, and the possibility that these structures are in fact bacteria is discussed.