New methods for the collection and preservation of spirorchiid trematodes and polystomatid monogeneans from turtles

New techniques and protocols for the field collection and preservation of spirorchiid trematodes and polystomatid monogeneans are delineated for inclusion in existing postmortem examination protocols for the parasites of turtles. Spirorchiid trematodes are collected in body and organ washes of citrated saline solution concentrated by sedimentation in a separately funnel. Polystomatid monogeneans are collected by precise dissection and examination of the urinary and accessory bladders, nasal and oral cavities, and the conjunctival sacs and nictitating membranes of the eye. Fixation by distilled water osmotony or heat followed by preservation and storage in 95% undenatured ethanol are recommended to produce specimens for subsequent morphological and molecular analysis.