Microscopic techniques in the study of African parasitic nematodes

Based on light and scanning electron microscopic studies, nematodes of the subgenus Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) have been recorded in the intestine of six host cichlid species (Cyprichromis microlepidotus, Boulengerochromis microlepsis, Eretmodus marksmithi, Neolamprologus mondabu, Bathybates graueri, Oreochromis niloticus, Trematocara unimaculatum) were examined. Hosts were collected during a survey of fish parasites in the Lake Tanganyika (lakeside of Burundi). Obtained nematodes (glycerine-cleared) were examined by the Olympus BX51 light microscope (LM) equipped with differential interference contrast. They were measured and documented (drawings and micrographs) with all important signs, like buccal capsule, nerve ring, excretory pore, papillae, deirids, tail; males spiculae and females vulva. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for study of surface structures (cuticle ornamentation, number and distribution of papillae, deirids, amphids), for interior view to the capsule with ornamentation and for protruded males spiculae. The samples were examined using TESCAN MIRA3 FEG-SEM at an accelerating voltage of 5 kV. Based on our obtained results from LM and SEM we assume the presence of new species. Obtained results will be part of a High School Scientific Activity (SOC) of Eliska Hodova (Gymnasium Brno – Řeckovice) “Parasitic nematodes from cichlids of the Lake Tanganyika“.