Folia Parasitologica 61[1] 76-80 (2014) | DOI: 10.14411/fp.2014.013

Cryopreservation of roe deer abomasal nematodes for morphological identification

Paola Beraldo, Ernesto Pascotto

Department of Food Science, Division of Veterinary Pathology, University of Udine, Udine, Italy

Conventional methods to preserve adult nematodes for taxonomic purposes involve the use of fixative or clearing solutions (alcohol, formaldehyde, AFA and lactophenol), which cause morphological alterations and are toxic. The aim of this study is to propose an alternative method based on glycerol-cryopreservation of nematodes for their subsequent identification. Adults of trichostrongylid nematodes from the abomasum of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus) were glycerol-cryopreserved and compared with those fixed in formaldehyde, fresh and frozen without cryoprotectans. Morphology, transparency and elasticity of the anterior and posterior portion of male nematodes were compared, especially the caudal cuticular bursa and genital accessories. The method presented is quick and easy to use, and the quality of nematode specimens is better than that of nematodes fixed by previously used fixatives. Moreover, glycerol cryopreserved nematodes can be stored for a long time at -20°C in perfect condition and they could be suitable for further analyses, such as histological or ultrastructural examinations.

Keywords: Nematoda, Trichostrongyloidea, glycerol, preservation, taxonomy, morphology

Received: January 25, 2013; Accepted: July 31, 2013; Prepublished online: January 10, 2014; Published: January 11, 2014  Show citation