A simple technique for staining of platyhelminths with the lactophnol cotton blue stain

Abstract EN

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.