[Superficial argyrophilic structures of the infective larval forms of Schistosoma japonicum].

Integumentary argentophilic structures in miracidium and cercaria of Schistosoma japonicum, chinese strain, are described in detail. - Miracidium. The pattern of organites between the first and second tier and between the second and third tier in miracidia of S. japonicum is identical to that in miracidia of S. incognitum, but differs from that seen in miradicia of other species of Schistosoma. - Cercaria. Chaetotaxy differs from that reported in a previous study but, in our opinion, these differences concern the interpretation of the authors and not the structure of the cercaria. S. japonicum is clearly distinguished from other species In the genus by the reduced number of sensory receptors on the tail.