Host-parasite relationship in Pneumocystis carinii infection: activation of the plasmalemmal vesicular system in type I alveolar epithelial cells.

Abstract

Ultrastructural studies of the attachment zone between Pneumocystis carinii (Pc) and type I alveolar epithelial cells showed a new aspect of the host-parasite relationship, i.e. an activation of the plasmalemmal vesicular system in the alveolar cells associated with Pc trophozoites in close apposition. This phenomenon may be involved in the nutrition of the trophozoite.