Museum specimens represent a valuable resource for helminthological research. We examined formalin-fixed livers preserved for periods in excess of 50 years from naturally infected pigs in archival material from the Helminthological Collection of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (CHIOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ). Microscopic examination revealed evidence of parasites in unilocular cystic structures containing a bladder worm vesicle lined with a thin laminated membrane. The inner germinal layer contained parasite debris and a proteinaceous hydatid-like fluid. The hepatic parenchyma showed a dense inflammatory infiltrate near the cyst, thick-walled arterial vessels, and occasionally necrosis. The adjacent hepatic parenchyma showed inter- and intra-lobular thin fibrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration and occasionally necrosis. Other histo-pathological sections showed a thick laminated wa...

This study was undertaken to expand the current knowledge of the morphology and morphometry of rostellar hooks of protoscoleces from the metacestode E. granulosus. Protoscoleces were isolated from livers and lungs of naturally infected ovines and bovines obtained from abattoirs in Peruvian provinces (Arequipa, Cuzco, Puno, Huancavelica and Junin). Brightfield microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, differential interference contrast and variable pressure scanning electron microscopy were used. Morphometry was made using computer image analysis. The application of these assay indicated that the large hooks frequently had thin guards and an irregular surface between the guard and handle. Data also showed that the small hooks presented rounded and stout guards. The blade did not show any relevant feature. No clear morphological distinction was observed between large and small hooks....