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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Rec / Counting nematode eggs in equine faecal samples.
The Veterinary record2005; 156(7); 208-210; doi: 10.1136/vr.156.7.208

Counting nematode eggs in equine faecal samples.

Abstract: No abstract available
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Publication Date: 2005-03-08 PubMed ID: 15747658DOI: 10.1136/vr.156.7.208Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article aims to compare the efficiency of the FECPAK and McMaster fecal egg count tests to detect gastrointestinal nematodes in horses and determine which test is more reliable, particularly at low egg densities.

Background of the Study

  • Controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in horses relies on anthelmintic treatments to decrease the parasite burden in individual animals and limit pasture pathogen contamination.
  • However, a challenge with this approach is the routine administration of the treatment, which can lead to unnecessary drug use, the development of drug resistance, and failing to address climate-driven infection risk fluctuations.
  • Current fecal egg count tests are not widely available, posing an obstacle to targeted treatments. The most commonly used test, the McMaster technique, is less sensitive at low egg densities and requires expensive specialist equipment.
  • A potential solution is the FECPAK fecal egg count test, which examines a larger stool sample, does not require centrifugation, and can potentially be administered by horse owners or vets on-site.

About the FECPAK Test

  • The FECPAK test applies the flotation-dilution principle. About 10g of feces is mixed in a plastic bag with three times its volume of water.
  • The mixed suspension is filtered to remove coarse debris, and a portion of the filtrate is put into a counting chamber.
  • Nematode eggs that float to the top of the chamber within 30 seconds are then counted under a microscope, and each egg counted represents 20 eggs per gram of feces (epg).

Comparison of FECPAK and McMaster Tests

  • The study compared the two tests using fecal samples from an uninfected horse to which a known amount of strongyle eggs was added.
  • The FECPAK test detected eggs in all instances, while the McMaster test produced six false negatives.
  • FECPAK’s higher sensitivity may result from examining more feces, thus reducing the likelihood of missing eggs present at low density.

Accuracy and Repeatability Test

  • To evaluate these aspects, fecal samples were taken from two naturally infected horses, and each test was conducted 20 times.
  • The FECPAK test showed relatively lower variance and a narrower range, indicating higher accuracy and repeatability compared to the McMaster technique.

The study concludes that the FECPAK test is more sensitive than the McMaster technique at low egg densities, which may help more accurately identify horses needing treatment for nematodes and limit unnecessary anthelmintic administration.

Cite This Article

APA
Presland SL, Morgan ER, Coles GC. (2005). Counting nematode eggs in equine faecal samples. Vet Rec, 156(7), 208-210. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.156.7.208

Publication

The Veterinary record
ISSN: 0042-4900
NlmUniqueID: 0031164
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 156
Issue: 7
Pages: 208-210

Researcher Affiliations

Presland, S L
  • Department of Anatomy, University of Bristol, Southwell Street, Bristol BS2 8EJ.
Morgan, E R
    Coles, G C

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Cattle
      • Feces / parasitology
      • Horses
      • Nematoda
      • Parasite Egg Count / methods

      Citations

      This article has been cited 12 times.
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