Simple and effective method for observation of suspended parasite specimens using vaseline and paraffin mixture

Daisuke Kimura; Shoji Uga

doi:10.1016/j.parint.2016.05.008

Simple and effective method for observation of suspended parasite specimens using vaseline and paraffin mixture

Parasitol Int. 2016 Oct;65(5 Pt B):596-598. doi: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.05.008. Epub 2016 May 13.

Authors

Daisuke Kimura¹, Shoji Uga²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Immunology, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan. Electronic address: kimura@nagasaki-u.ac.jp.
² Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Nursing, Kobe Women's University, 4-7-2 Minatojima-nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0046, Japan.

PMID: 27185235
DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.05.008

Abstract

Parasitic specimens derived from protozoans and helminths have variable thickness. Therefore, microscopic observation of these specimens requires a preparation technique where the space between the coverslip and slide glass can be freely adjusted. However, standard suspension methods for parasites do not afford this flexibility due to the thickness of eggs and parasites. Mounting too large of a sample results in a floating coverslip, making observation difficult. In this article, we developed vaseline-paraffin solution (VPS) as a simple and effective mounting technique for observation of suspended parasite specimens. VPS placed between the coverslip and slide glass makes it possible to adjust the space between to accommodate specimens of variable thickness. For example, patterning of Toxocara egg surface protein layers can be observed using this improved method. Furthermore, VPS can be used as a sealing medium for long-term preservation. It is possible to keep suspended parasite specimens for more than two weeks.

Keywords: Long-term preservation; Microscope; Observation; Paraffin; White vaseline.