Similar Internal Morphology of Toxoplasma gondii and Besnoitia jellisoni Stained with Silver Protein

Abstract

T. gondli and B. jelllsoni show very similar internal structures when stained with a silver protein method. Both spp. show: (1) a truncated cap-like cone at the anterior end; (2) 1 or more fibril-like structures extending posteriorly from the cone; (3) a nucleus consisting of a larger, less dense portion, and a smaller, more compact structure; (4) a dark-staining posterior granule; and (5) a similar method of reproduction.