An alternative method for the culture of Diplostomum spathaceum (Trematoda) in chick embryos.

Metacercariae of Diplostomum spathaceum were maintained in the allantoic cavities of chick embryos for 15 days. Some embryos had 0.2 ml chicken serum added to the allantoic cavity each day. Although the level of development varied considerably, worms from embryos with added serum developed hind bodies that were substantially larger than those of parasites maintained without added serum. There was no evidence that any worm ingested blood, and only 1 individual, from the serum-augmented group, became ovigerous.