Ultrastructural Demonstration of Succinic Dehydrogenase and Cytochrome Oxidase Activity in Sporozoites of Babesia ovis and Theileria annulata (Apicomplexa: Piroplasmea) in Salivary Glands of Tick Vectors (Rhipicephalus bursa, Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum)

Salivary gland stages ("sporozoites") of Babesia ovis and Theileria annulata (Apicomplexa: Piroplasmea) in female ixodid ticks were studied for ultracytochemical activity of the respiratory enzymes, succinic dehydrogenase (SDH), and cytochrome oxidase. Both SDH and cytochrome oxidase were demonstrated in the sporozoites and the mitochondria in these stages. Identified in this way the final reaction product of SDH was located mainly at the inner side of the mitochondrial boundary, though it was also visible in the internal space of the organelle. Cytochrome oxidase activity always was confined to the wall of mitochondria. This enzyme was demonstrated also in the erythrocyte stage of B. ovis. The cytochemical results indicate respiratory potential of the piroplasmean stages studied. Cristate or typical protozoan mitochondria have not been observed in sporozoites of Babesia or Theileria. This report is the first demonstration of mitochondria, or mitochondrialike activity in Babesia.