Identification of Adult Tapeworms Using India Ink

Principle:

The uterus of gravid tapeworm proglottids (Taenia spp.) can be injected with India ink for visualization of the branches; the number of branches determines the species of tapeworm.

Method:

1. Using a 1 ml syringe and 25 to 26 gauge needle, inject India ink into the central stem or into the uterine pore, filling the uterine branches with ink.
2. Press the proglottid between two slides, hold it to the light, and count the branches.

Note: Caution should be used in handling proglottids of Taenia spp. because the eggs of T. solium are infective for humans.