Phagocytosis of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense by peritoneal macrophages: a study by scanning electronmicroscopy.

Phagocytosis of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense by peritoneal macrophages takes place by seizure of the trypomastigote by either end but usually by the anterior. A lamellar sheath similar to that seen in phagocytosis of the promastigote of Leishmania is observed, but it is smaller and does not proceed to envelop the living parasite. The attached trypomastigote becomes pitted and appears to have been killed and partially destroyed before it is completely engulfed.