The ultrastructure of the intestinal microvillous border in the common vole (Microtus arvalis) naturally infected with Giardia microti.

The anterior jejunum from common vole naturally infected with Giardia microti (Kofoid et Christiansen, 1915) was examined by TEM and compared with the anterior jejunum from control (metronidazole-treated, Giardia-free) common voles (Pallas, 1778). Giardia microti infection resulted in significant diffuse shortening of microvilli and significant greater microvillous diameters. In addition, deformations of the microvilli were observed at the margin of the ventral disc. The microvilli attached to the lateral crest of the ventral disc were vesiculated with a disorganised filamentous core and contained whorled structures resembling "myelin-like figures". The findings are discussed in context of the Giardia-epithelial cell interaction.