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Veterinary parasitology2012; 188(1-2); 120-126; doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.03.005

Quantifying the sources of variability in equine faecal egg counts: implications for improving the utility of the method.

Abstract: The faecal egg count (FEC) is the most widely used means of quantifying the nematode burden of horses, and is frequently used in clinical practice to inform treatment and prevention. The statistical process underlying the FEC is complex, comprising a Poisson counting error process for each sample, compounded with an underlying continuous distribution of means between samples. Being able to quantify the sources of variability contributing to this distribution of means is a necessary step towards providing estimates of statistical power for future FEC and FECRT studies, and may help to improve the usefulness of the FEC technique by identifying and minimising unwanted sources of variability. Obtaining such estimates require a hierarchical statistical model coupled with repeated FEC observations from a single animal over a short period of time. Here, we use this approach to provide the first comparative estimate of multiple sources of within-horse FEC variability. The results demonstrate that a substantial proportion of the observed variation in FEC between horses occurs as a result of variation in FEC within an animal, with the major sources being aggregation of eggs within faeces and variation in egg concentration between faecal piles. The McMaster procedure itself is associated with a comparatively small coefficient of variation, and is therefore highly repeatable when a sufficiently large number of eggs are observed to reduce the error associated with the counting process. We conclude that the variation between samples taken from the same animal is substantial, but can be reduced through the use of larger homogenised faecal samples. Estimates are provided for the coefficient of variation (cv) associated with each within animal source of variability in observed FEC, allowing the usefulness of individual FEC to be quantified, and providing a basis for future FEC and FECRT studies.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2012-03-13 PubMed ID: 22469484DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.03.005Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 studies the factors influencing the variability encountered when quantifying the parasite load in horses using faecal egg count (FEC). It finds that major variability sources are egg aggregation within faeces and variation in egg concentration between faecal piles, and suggests that larger, homogenised faecal samples can reduce this variability.

Understanding FEC in Horses

  • The study addresses the faecal egg count (FEC) technique, commonly used to calculate the nematode (a type of parasite) burden in horses.
  • This method is often applied in clinical settings to guide treatment and prevention strategies.
  • However, the study notes that the statistical process for FEC is complex, involving multiple sources of error and variation between samples.

Influence of Sampling Error and Sample Variation on FEC

  • The paper highlights that it’s crucial to identify and quantify the sources of variability in the distribution of mean FEC as it can help optimize the technique’s utility.
  • To achieve this, the research utilized a hierarchical statistical model coupled with repeated FEC measurements taken from a single animal over a short time period.

Results and Insights from the Study

  • The research provides the first comparative estimate of multiple sources of both within-horse and between-horse FEC variability.
  • It shows that a significant portion of the variation in FEC among horses is due to intra-animal variation, notably the aggregation of eggs within faeces, and differences in egg concentration in different faecal piles.
  • This variability, however, can be minimised by using more substantial, homogenised faecal samples.

Role of McMaster Procedure in FEC

  • The research finds that the McMaster procedure, a commonly used method for FEC, has a small coefficient of variation and is highly repeatable when a sufficiently large number of eggs are observed.
  • Little error is associated with the counting process in this technique, thereby showing that it can be a reliable method for conducting FEC.

Implications and Future Directions

  • Understanding how variations between samples taken from the same animal can be reduced can enhance the reliability of the faecal egg count method.
  • With estimates of the coefficients of variation related to each within-animal source of variability in observed FEC, the utility of individual FEC measurements can be quantified.
  • This can inform future FEC and Faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) studies, potentially leading to more effective parasitic load management in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Denwood MJ, Love S, Innocent GT, Matthews L, McKendrick IJ, Hillary N, Smith A, Reid SW. (2012). Quantifying the sources of variability in equine faecal egg counts: implications for improving the utility of the method. Vet Parasitol, 188(1-2), 120-126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.03.005

Publication

Veterinary parasitology
ISSN: 1873-2550
NlmUniqueID: 7602745
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 188
Issue: 1-2
Pages: 120-126

Researcher Affiliations

Denwood, M J
  • Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK. matthew.denwood@glasgow.ac.uk
Love, S
    Innocent, G T
      Matthews, L
        McKendrick, I J
          Hillary, N
            Smith, A
              Reid, S W J

                MeSH Terms

                • Animals
                • Feces / parasitology
                • Helminthiasis, Animal / diagnosis
                • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
                • Horse Diseases / parasitology
                • Horses
                • Parasite Egg Count / methods
                • Parasite Egg Count / veterinary
                • Seasons

                Citations

                This article has been cited 17 times.
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