A comparison of fixatives suitable for scanning electron microscopy of Habronema spp.

Abstract

Members of the genus Habronema (Nematoda : Habronematidae) were preserved in 4 fixatives for examination with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Tegumental features of the anterior and posterior extremities of these specimens were compared to evaluate the effect of the fixatives: modified Flemming's solution, glutaraldehyde (GA), Karnovsky's fixative and 70% ethanol. Fixatives were assessed on the appearance of the tegument, evidence of any wrinkling, shrinkage or swelling and the degree of extension in the male tail. Seventy per cent ethanol gave the most satisfactory results.