Possible formation of new brood capsule by the previously formed brood capsule in Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes.

ABSTRACT

In Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes obtained from the peritoneal cavity of an experimentally infected jird, cellular accumulations were found not only on the inner surfaces of germinal layers but also on the outer surfaces of brood capsules. These cellular accumulations are believed to represent at incipient form of the brood capsule. It has been thought that brood capsules are produced by the germinal layer, but we speculate that the brood capsule itself, as well as the germinal layer, may have the potential to produce new brood capsules.