Transmission electron microscope investigation of Trichomonas vaginalis treated with Mosla chinensis Maxim

Objective To explore the mechanism of killing action by Mosla chinensis Maxim on Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro. Methods 1∶4 concentration of Mosla chinensis Maxim water extract (MCMWE) was added to the culture media of T. vaginalis in vitro. After treated with MCMWE for 2 h and 4 h, the ultrastructural changes of T. vaginalis were observed by transmission electronic microscope. Results After treated with MCMWE,T. vaginalis exhibited degranulation of rough surfaced endoplasmic reticula, depolymerization of polyribosomes, swelling and deformation of Golgi complex, increment of vacuoles in cytoplasm, incomplete nuclear membranes and raritas karyoplasm. Eventually the cellular membranes were ruptured; their cellular contents were leak out, and the parasites died. Conclusion Mosla chinensis Maxim may destroy the endomembrane system of Trichomonas and thus exhibits a relatively potent killing effect on T.vaginalis.