INTRACELLULAR GERMINATION OF SPORES OF NOSEMA-APIS Z

Intracellular germination of Nosema apis spores is shown in TEM preparations of infected honey bee (Apis mellifera) ventricular cells. A series of observations at different times post-infection provides support for a hypothesis that could explain the rapid intercellular spread of the parasite. It is suggested that the first spores produced often germinate and spread the parasite within the epithelium, whereas intact and durable spores are produced later in infected cells when they become more crowded with parasites.