Abstract
Large-scale parasite quantification is required for improving our understanding of the epidemiology and genetics of host–parasite interactions. We describe a protocol that uses a low-density salt solution for flotation and centrifugation of nematode eggs. Subsequently, sucrose flotation and precipitation are used to obtain clear egg preparations. Most traditional quantification protocols such as the McMaster technique are unsuited for the standardized processing of large numbers of samples and the analysis of large amounts of feces per sample. Consequently, they are suited only for small-scale surveys. Our protocol, which can be used to analyze up to 6 g of feces, results in clear egg preparations that are concentrated in wells of a microtiter plate and that are suited for digital recording and automated counting. Starting from a fecal suspension in the first flotation solution to a digital recording requires approximately 40 min per 24 samples.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 12 print issues and online access
$259.00 per year
only $21.58 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
MAFF. Manual of Veterinary Parasitological Laboratory Techniques. Technical Bulletin 18. (Freeman and Company, New York, 1977).
Cox, D.D. & Todd, A.C. Survey of gastro-intestinal parasitism in Wisconsin dairy cattle. J. Am. Vet. Med. Ass. 141, 706–709 (1962).
Mes, T.H.M. et al. A novel method for the isolation of gastro-intestinal nematode eggs that allows automated analysis of digital images of egg preparations and high throughput screening. Parasitology 123, 309–314 (2001).
Agneessens, J., Claerebout, E., Dorny, P., Borgsteede, F.H.M. & Vercruysse, J. Nematode parasitism in adult dairy cows in Belgium. Vet. Parasitol. 90, 83–92 (2000).
Borgsteede, F.H.M., Tibben, J., Cornelissen, J.B.W.J.J., Agneessens, J. & Gaasenbeek, C.P.H. Nematode parasites of adult dairy cattle in The Netherlands. Vet. Parasitol. 89, 287–296 (2000).
Niblack, T.L., Heinz, R.D., Smith, G.S. & Donald, P.A. Distribution, density, and diversity of Heterodera glycines in Missouri. J. Nematol. 25, 880–886 (1993).
David, E.D. & Lindquist, W.D. Determination of the specific gravity of certain helminth eggs using sucrose density gradient centrifugation. J. Parasitol. 68, 916–919 (1982).
Acknowledgements
We thank M. Terlou, F.N.J. Kooyman and M.P.J. van der Ploeg for help in developing and applying this parasite egg isolation technique. This is publication 3991 of NIOO-KNAW. Figure 2 has been reproduced from Mes, Ploeger, Terlou, Kooyman, van der Ploeg and Eysker. A novel method for the isolation of gastro-intestinal nematodeo eggs that allows automated analysis of digital images of egg preparations and high throughput screening. Parasitology 123, 309–314 (2001). Printed with permission from Cambridge University Press.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Contributions
T.H.M.M., design of isolation method and editing of text. M.E., application of method. H.W.P., preparation of figures and editing of text.
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Competing interests
The authors declare no competing financial interests.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mes, T., Eysker, M. & Ploeger, H. A simple, robust and semi-automated parasite egg isolation protocol. Nat Protoc 2, 486–489 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/nprot.2007.56
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nprot.2007.56
This article is cited by
-
Comparison of FECPAKG2, a modified Mini-FLOTAC technique and combined sedimentation and flotation for the coproscopic examination of helminth eggs in horses
Parasites & Vectors (2022)
-
Worms and bugs of the gut: the search for diagnostic signatures using barcoding, and metagenomics–metabolomics
Parasites & Vectors (2022)
-
Sensitivity of Haemonchus contortus to anthelmintics using different in vitro screening assays: a comparative study
Parasites & Vectors (2022)
-
The effect of analyst training on fecal egg counting variability
Parasitology Research (2021)
-
Drug Screening for Discovery of Broad-spectrum Agents for Soil-transmitted Nematodes
Scientific Reports (2019)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.