Studies on Echinococcus granulosus using the scanning electron microscope. I. Preparations of the parasite for infection of the final host.

The development of the protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus was studied after chemical stimulation, which mimics that offered by the final host. This stimulation resulted in some morphological changes in the parasite and to its evagination. These changes prepare the parasite to infect the intestine of its final host. The external morphology of the protoscolex body and of the germinal layer of the cyst and brood capsule were studied using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Findings were related to other studies using the transmission electron microscope (TEM). The morphology of the flame cell is described and four cases of teratogenesis are reported.