Use of ultraviolet light to find parasitic nematodes in situ.

The parasitic nematodes Anisakis sp., Contracaecum aduncum, and Phocanema decipiens fluoresce when irradiated by ultraviolet light (360 mμ). Fluorescence greatly simplifies searching for the nematodes in situ when they are not deeply embedded in host tissues. Also, differences in fluorescence quality enable immediate preliminary identification of specimens. The method is particularly well suited for long-term investigations or when accurate counts are necessary.