Figure 7

EtHAP2 expression is restricted to E. tenella microgametes. (a) Sections of E. tenella-infected chicken caeca (144 h post-infection) were stained with anti-EtHAP2 mouse sera (1 in 100) and DAPI. EtHAP2 (green) localised with increasing intensity to DAPI-positive early-, mid- and late-stage microgametocytes (EMi, MMi and LMi, respectively). Macrogametes (Ma) and early oocysts (EO), visible under bright field (BF), were EtHAP2-negative. Scale bar = 10 μm. (b) The same tissue section was imaged using confocal microscopy and post-acquisition deconvolution. The nucleus and mitochondrion (N/M) of individual late-stage microgametes stain DAPI-positive and appear continuous and elongated. EtHAP2 (green) localisation (arrows) is distinct but often adjacent to N/M, consistent with either cytosolic or surface localisation. Scale bar = 1 μm.