Identification of Parasites in Tissue Sections
IAAAM Archive
Sarah L. Poynton1; Kristen D. Arkush2
1Division of Comparative Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; 2University of California, Bodega Marine Laboratory, Bodega Bay, CA, USA

Abstract

Protozoan and metazoan parasites can be identified by a wide range of techniques, from light microscopy, through electron microscopy to molecular characterization. In many cases, preserved infected host tissue processed for histopathology is the only parasite material that is available. This is particularly the case if experienced parasitologists are not involved in sample collection or if specialized facilities are not available for timely sample processing.

Examination of parasites in tissue sections is fascinating and has several advantages, including recognition of the host-parasite relationship, and visualization of internal structures of the parasites. However, a section typically provides only 5 um thick slices through the parasite, thus multiple sections need to be examined to gain a perspective of the whole organism, and some features can never be resolved adequately in tissue section. Similar to the commonly used diagnostic keys for identification of whole parasites, diagnostic criteria are available for identification of parasites in tissue section 1-6, and a variety of special stains can be used to enhance visualization of certain features.

The workshop will provide practical guidance on the preparation and interpretation of protozoan and metazoan parasites in tissue sections, and will be illustrated with numerous examples of infections in aquatic hosts, including cephalopods, fish and marine mammals.

References

1.  Chitwood M, JR Lichtenfels. 1972. Identification of parasitic metazoa in tissue sections. Experimental Parasitology 32: 407-519.

2.  Cosgrove GE. 1975. In Ribelin, W.E. and G. Migaki (eds.) Pathology of Fishes. University of Wisconsin Press. Pp. 205-245.

3.  Ferguson HW. 1989. Systemic Pathology of Fishes. Iowa State University Press, Ames.

4.  Gardiner CH, Fayer R, JP Dubey. 1988. An Atlas of Protozoan Parasites in Animal Tissues. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Handbook No. 651.

5.  Howard EB, Britt JO, G Matsumoto. 1983. Parasitic Diseases. In Howard, E.B. (ed.) Pathobiology of Marine Mammal Diseases. Volume I. CRC Press. Pp. 119-232.

6.  Murche

Speaker Information
(click the speaker's name to view other papers and abstracts submitted by this speaker)

Kristen D. Arkush
University of California, Bodega Marine Laboratory
Bodega Bay, CA, USA

Sarah L. Poynton, BSc, PhD
Division of Comparative Medicine
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Baltimore, MD, USA


MAIN : Session IV : Identification of Parasites
Powered By VIN
SAID=27