Labeling of the Schistosoma mansoni Tegument

Schistosomes are deadly pathogens responsible for the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis. The parasite's virulence is aided by a skin-like tissue called the tegument. The study of the tegument is hampered by a lack of tools suitable for visualizing the tissue. Here we describe a novel methodology employing fluorophore-conjugated dextrans that allows specific fluorescent labeling of the tegument and that is compatible with downstream fluorescence-labeling techniques including phalloidin labeling, RNA FISH, and immunofluorescence.