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A simple, robust and semi-automated parasite egg isolation protocol

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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.

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Figure 1: Examples of egg preparations from the egg isolation protocol.
Figure 2: Characteristics of the SSF method.

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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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Centre for Estuarine and Marine Ecology, POB 140, Yerseke, 4400AC, The Netherlands

    Ted HM Mes

  2. Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, POB 80.165, Utrecht, 3508 TD, The Netherlands

    Maarten Eysker & Harm W Ploeger

Authors
  1. Ted HM Mes
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  2. Maarten Eysker
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  3. Harm W Ploeger
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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.

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Correspondence to Ted HM Mes.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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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

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