MicrobeHunter.com Microscopy Forum

Hey folks!,

First time poster here that has slowly been getting use to his microscope. I picked up an Amscope T490B a couple of months ago, and have recently had more time to sit down and enjoy it. It seems to be a sweet little scope, that is easily upgradable. Kinda like a polytasker.

Getting the train back on the right track, I shot these photos today of what I believe is a fluke, but am not sure exactly what type. This specimen was taken from human stool, one of many brown dots floating on the surface of the water. About the slides: stained with LPCB, magnification is 100x to 400x (camera was zoomed to 1.5x or 2x for the shots though), brightfield, subject DOE (Dead On Examination). The last picture looks like an egg or something??? Man, it's a totally different world down there

That does not look to me liike a fluke, perhaps a bit of plant fiber?
I see none of the details I would expect to see in a fluke and the "body" lacks the form I am familiar with (not that I am a fluke expert, by any means).

Debris. Not a fluke. Last image doesn't look like an egg either.
Human parasitology isn't for amateurs. I'd pick other specimens if I were you.

Or, consult this from the American Society for Microbiology: https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Guide- ... 1683670396

Lynn Garcia is one of the parasitology gurus.

If parasitology is an interest, perhaps see if anyone you know has livestock. I do fecal egg counts and it's an excellent way to get interesting samples and to train your mind to recognize debris. I use McMaster slides as they make counts easier, but they are not absolutely required.

dtsh and Tom, thank you guys for your opinions. I am humbled by your expertise.

Thanks for the links and info, too. Maybe next time I post a 'fluke', I'll be more informed