An unusual structure in the primary cyst wall of Sarcocystis hemionilatrantis

Disc-shaped plaques were found in the primary cyst wall of sarcocysts of Sarcocystis hemionilatrantis in mule deer in Montana. Ultrastructurally, the plaques were 190.5 nm in diameter, 161.6 nm thick and consisted of six distinct layers with microfilaments arising from the innermost layer. These unusual plaques have not been reported previously for any species of Sarcocystis.