Micro-CT as a method to visualize intramolluscan stages of Digenea

X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is a non-destructive method widely used for visualization of three-dimensional structures. Application of micro-CT for comparative morphology is limited due to low x-ray contrast of soft animal tissues, but staining can increase image quality for such specimens. We suggest that micro-CT may be used for rough visualization of branched sporocysts of Digenea within intact hosts, and tested this approach on sporocyst of Leucochloridium paradoxum . Two infected mollusks were treated following two different protocols. One specimen was scanned in ethanol; the other was dried before scanning. Anatomical features of the host were better visible on microtomographic sections of the dried specimen. Regardless of the sample preparation, full-grown and underdeveloped broodsacs of the sporocyst were visible, but we could not trace its central part. We suggest how the micro-CT protocol can be modified for better results on branched digenean sporocysts.