Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
Diagnosis of Ecto- and Endoparasites in Laboratory Rats and Mice
Published on: September 6, 2011
Comparison of methods for detection of pinworms in mice and rats
J Camille Effler1, Judy M Hickman-Davis, Julie G Erwin
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
Abstract:
Though pinworm infestation remains common in laboratory rodent colonies, there is little information regarding current practices for pinworm detection and their relative efficacy. The authors surveyed research institutions to find out the prevalence of pinworm infestations and the detection methods they used. They also tested mice and rats from colonies that were known to be infested with Syphacia sp. and compared the following detection methods: perianal tape test, fecal flotation, fecal concentration, cecal content examination, cecal flotation and histological examination. Though the different methods yielded comparable efficacy overall, the authors recommend using more than one type of test to increase detection potential.
Insights
Pinworm infestation is common in lab rodents. Researchers compared multiple detection methods, finding they were similarly effective but recommend using combined approaches for better pinworm detection in rodent colonies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Laboratory Animal Science
- Parasitology
Background:
- Pinworm (Syphacia sp.) infestations are prevalent in laboratory rodent colonies.
- Limited data exists on current pinworm detection practices and their efficacy.
- Effective detection is crucial for maintaining research integrity and animal welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey current pinworm detection methods used in research institutions.
- To evaluate and compare the efficacy of various pinworm detection techniques.
- To provide recommendations for optimal pinworm diagnosis in rodent colonies.
Main Methods:
- A survey of research institutions on pinworm prevalence and detection strategies.
- Comparative analysis of perianal tape tests, fecal flotation, fecal concentration, cecal content examination, cecal flotation, and histological examination.
- Testing of mice and rats from known Syphacia sp. infested colonies.
Main Results:
- Multiple detection methods demonstrated comparable overall efficacy for pinworm diagnosis.
- No single method significantly outperformed others in all tested scenarios.
- Survey data revealed variations in current institutional practices.
Conclusions:
- While several methods are effective, no single technique guarantees complete detection.
- Combining multiple diagnostic tests is recommended to maximize pinworm detection rates.
- Standardizing detection protocols could improve accuracy in laboratory rodent colonies.
