[Effect of distribution of eggs of strongyles and Parascaris equorum in faecal samples of horses on detection with a combined sedimentation-flotation method].
Abstract: Results of parasitological examination of faecal aliquots may vary between diagnostic laboratories. To examine whether inhomogeneous distribution of worm eggs in faecal samples is responsible for this observation, horse faeces provided for routine diagnosis of helminth infection were examined. Distribution of worm eggs was assessed by examining aliquots taken from different locations of the faecal sample by a combined sedimentation-flotation method (KSFV). In addition, it was tested, whether the homogenization of a larger amount (minimum of 40 g) of faeces before performing KSFV improved reproducibility of the method. Methods: 51 faecal samples of horses were examined three times in parallel by KSFV with ZnSO4 solution. 10 g aliquots were taken from the margin (R), from inside (I) and from both locations (G). The remaining amount of faeces was weighed, suspended with water 1:1 and homogenized. Subsequently, three subsamples, each consisting of 20 g of this suspension, were taken and examined by KSFV. Results: The egg numbers of the nematodes (strongyles and Parascaris equorum ) found in samples that originated from different locations were similar and variation was low. The homogenization of a larger amount of faeces had no relevant impact on egg counts of these nematodes. Conclusions: Nematode infections are relevant and frequently occurring in the horse, and reliable assessment of worm egg excretion is a critical aspect for rational planning of control measures. It could be shown that the distribution of nematode eggs (strongyles and Parascaris equorum ) in horse faeces is quite even and results are in principle reproducible if 10 g faeces are examined by KSFV. The homogenization of a larger amount of faeces does not improve the sensitivity or reproducibility of KSFV, and is thus dispensable. For diagnostic purposes, it is advisable to ship approximately 50g of horse faeces to the laboratory.
Publication Date: 2012-02-15 PubMed ID: 22331287
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- Journal Article
- Validation Study
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 studies the effect of the distribution of certain worm eggs in horse fecal samples on the detection with a specific method. It concluded that there is an even distribution of these eggs in the feces and that homogenizing a larger sample size does not significantly impact the results.
Research Methodology & Sample
- The researchers collected 51 faecal samples from horses for the experiment.
- Each sample was divided into three sections for testing – margin (R), inside (I) and a mix of these two locations (G).
- A larger sample of the feces was also collected, suspended in 1:1 water, and homogenized.
Research Procedure & Method
- The aliquots from the different locations of the fecal sample were examined using a combined sedimentation-flotation (KSFV) method with ZnSO4 solution.
- Three subsamples were then taken from the homogenized suspension and examined using the same KSFV method.
Research Findings
- The distribution of nematode eggs (strongyles and Parascaris equorum) in horse faeces was found to be even.
- The results, obtained from examining 10g faeces by KSFV method, were generally reproducible.
- The experiment also found that homogenizing a larger volume of feces did not significantly affect the egg counts, thus suggesting it is an unnecessary procedure in this context.
Conclusions & Recommendations
- Nematode infections are common in horses, making reliable assessments of worm egg excretion critical for effective disease control.
- The researchers recommend sending approximately 50g of horse feces to laboratories for parasites diagnosis.
Cite This Article
APA
Kuhnert-Paul Y, Schmäschke R, Daugschies A.
(2012).
[Effect of distribution of eggs of strongyles and Parascaris equorum in faecal samples of horses on detection with a combined sedimentation-flotation method].
Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere, 40(1), 21-26.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Institut für Parasitologie, Leipzig. kuhnert@vetmed.uni-leipzig.de
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Ascaridida Infections / diagnosis
- Ascaridida Infections / parasitology
- Ascaridida Infections / veterinary
- Ascaridoidea / isolation & purification
- Feces / parasitology
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / parasitology
- Horses
- Parasite Egg Count / methods
- Parasite Egg Count / standards
- Parasite Egg Count / veterinary
- Reproducibility of Results
- Strongyle Infections, Equine / diagnosis
- Strongyle Infections, Equine / parasitology
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Elghryani N, McOwan T, Mincher C, Duggan V, de Waal T. Estimating the Prevalence and Factors Affecting the Shedding of Helminth Eggs in Irish Equine Populations. Animals (Basel) 2023 Feb 7;13(4).
- Dahlem D, Bangoura B, Ludewig E, Glowienka N, Baldauf K, Stoeckel F, Burgener I. Tetrathyridiosis in a domestic shorthair cat. JFMS Open Rep 2015 Jul-Dec;1(2):2055116915615595.
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