Abstract: | The presence of carbohydrates on the surface of trophozoites and cysts of Toxoplasma gondii was investigated using 26 fluorescein labelled lectins. Three strains of parasites at different phases were tested; intra-cellular, intra-cystic and free trophozoites did not stain. However Soja hispida lectin intensly bind on cyst wall. The fluorescence could be eliminated by preincubation with certain carbohydrates, but not with trophozoite soluble antigen. These results suggest to the authors that cyst wall may be of host rather than of parasite origin. |