simple technique for staining of platyhelminths with the lactopenol cotton blue stain

ABSTRACT

This paper describes a simple technique for staining of flatworms using lactophenol cotton blue [LPCB]. The staining was tested on 2 trematode species Heterophyes heterophyes and Mesostephanus appendiculatus, and one cestode Diplopylidium acanthotetra, which were collected from the intestine of stray cats in Kuwait. The specimens were mounted in a small amount of the LPCB stain on a clean slide for 2-3 minutes before covering with a cover slip. The technique rapidly and clearly differentiated the internal structures of the helminthes. Its speed and simplicity are advantages over other staining methods. It is easily used in wide-scale surveys where a large number of platyhelminths have to be identified and it is suitable for field studies