A new method for selective diagnostic staining of hooks of echinococci, cysticerci and tapeworms in histological sections

This paper describes a new method for selective staining of hooks of echinococci, cysticerci and tapeworms in histological sections. The method is based on pre-staining in hematoxylin, then the preparations are stained overnight in dilute polychrome blue and differentiated with tartrazine in Cellosolve (Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether or Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether). The hooks stain blue, nuclei brown to brown-green, and cell plasma is yellow. The hooks stain very brightly, which enables the identification of parasite remnants in granulomas and scars. The intensity of staining depends on the grade of maturity and sclerotization of hooks and these are readily observed, even in lower magnifications. The staining was successfully used in a variety of parasites.