Pankovaia semitubulata gen. et sp. n. (Microsporidia: Tuzetiidae) from nymphs of mayflies Cloeon dipterum L. (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) in Western Siberia

Eur J Protistol. 2009 Jan;45(1):13-20. doi: 10.1016/j.ejop.2008.04.003. Epub 2008 Jul 22.

Abstract

The ultrastructure of a new microsporidian, Pankovaia semitubulata gen. et sp. n. (Microsporidia: Tuzetiidae), from the fat body of Cloeon dipterum (L.) (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) is described. The species is monokaryotic throughout the life cycle, developing in direct contact with the host cell cytoplasm. Sporogonial plasmodium divides into 2-8 sporoblasts. Each sporoblast, then spore, is enclosed in an individual sporophorous vesicle. Fixed and stained spores of the type species P. semitubulata are 3.4 x 1.9microm in size. The polaroplast is bipartite (lamellar and vesicular). The polar filament is isofilar, possessing 6 coils in one row. The following features distinguish the genus Pankovaia from other monokaryotic genera of Tuzetiidae: (a) exospore is composed of multiple irregularly laid tubules with a lengthwise opening, referred to as "semitubules"; (b) episporontal space of sporophorous vesicle (SPV) is devoid of secretory formations; (c) SPV envelope is represented by a thin fragile membrane.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fat Body / microbiology
  • Host-Parasite Interactions
  • Insecta / growth & development
  • Insecta / microbiology*
  • Life Cycle Stages
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Microsporidia / classification*
  • Microsporidia / isolation & purification
  • Microsporidia / physiology
  • Microsporidia / ultrastructure
  • Nymph / microbiology*
  • Siberia
  • Species Specificity
  • Spores, Fungal / ultrastructure