A scanning electron microscope study of the colon of the mouse (Mus musculus) infected with Eimeria ferrisi (Protozoa, Apicomplexa, Coccidia).

Micromorphological changes in the colon of mice infected with Eimeria ferrisi were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The damage observed consisted of swelling of epithelial cells, profound stretching of the host cell membranes, loss of microvilli and erosion of tissues. Mature meronts were visible at 3 days post-inoculation (PI) in localized areas of cellular rupturing. At 4-6 days PI, the cellular rupturing and epithelial disruption were more widespread, exposing intra- and extracellular meronts, merozoites, and sexual stages. Microgametes of E. ferrisi are equipped with 2 flagella. Even though large portions of the infected area become denuded of surface epithelium, recovery had begun by day 7 PI.