Morphological Study of Echinococcus granulosus Using the Scanning Electron Microscope

Abstract

Morphology of 25 adult flat worms of Echinococcus granulosus was observed and described using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results showed that the flat worm body was 0.8 - 1.35 mm in length and consisted of 5 segments.  The scolex was 0.06 - 0.22 mm in length and 0.04 - 0.121 mm in width. The rostellum, which was 30.5 - 89.1 µm in diameter, was armed with two rows of 20 - 32 tiny hooks. The gravid segment was 0.33 - 0.62 mm in length. The body surface of the adult worms was covered with 2 different types of microtriches. The microtriches covering the worm body was described for the first time in this study