Advanced Approach in Differentiation Study in Hymenolepis nana and H. Diminuta by Scanning Electron Microscopy

2 Abstract: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) succeeds in revealing novel microtopographical features of the host-parasite relationship, as well as proving invaluable in helminthes taxonomy. Hymenolepis nana and H. diminuta are commonly maintained in laboratory rodents and used in many experimental model systems of tapeworms infections. In the present work, the length of worm of Hymenolepis nana and H. diminuta were approximately up to 1-3 cm × 1mm and 6 cm × 3.5 mm, respectively. The SEM revealed that the scolex of H. nana and diminuta appears roughly rectangular and is provided with an armed suker and rostellum. The rostellum is provided with hymenolepid hook in H. nana and an unhooked rostellum in H. diminuta. These suckers occupy the corners of the rectangular scolex. Fine structural of the tegumental surface of both H. nana and H. diminuta is densely covered with microtriches which are of the same shape and were never seen to be branched. SEM of intestinal mucosa of infected rat with H. nana revealed alteration in villous architecture. The purpose of this study is to use SEM technique as advanced approach for differentiating between H. nana and H. diminuta.