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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
Trichuris muris Infection: A Model of Type 2 Immunity and Inflammation in the Gut
Published on: May 24, 2011
Development of improved methods for delivery of Trichuris muris to the laboratory mouse
Jamie J Kopper1, Linda S Mansfield
1Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
Abstract:
Murine immunological responses to experimental infection with Trichuris muris and the effects of the resident microbiota on these responses are of increasing interest. For these studies, accurate dose delivery and improved sterilization of inocula are essential to prevent co-infection with unknown contaminants. We found that washing T. muris eggs with antibiotics may not be sufficient for sterilization of inocula. However, washing eggs in 6.25% hypochlorite/bleach eliminated bacteria and fungi, as determined by culture and PCR, did not harm viable T. muris eggs and reduced the number of non-viable eggs in the inocula. A hatching assay and propidium iodide staining method were developed and found to increase the accuracy for assessing T. muris egg viability prior to infection for rapid dose evaluation. In addition, metal gavage feeding needles increased the accuracy and precision of the dose delivered to the mice compared to flexible rubber tubes. These methods will improve experimental Trichuris studies by decreasing the variability in outcome due to unintended carryover of adherent microorganisms and unrecognized variation in inocula.
Insights
Sterilizing Trichuris muris eggs with bleach and using metal needles for gavage improve experimental accuracy. These methods reduce variability in murine infection studies by eliminating contaminants and ensuring precise parasite dose delivery.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Murine immunological responses to Trichuris muris infection are of increasing interest.
- Accurate dose delivery and inoculum sterilization are crucial for reliable experimental outcomes.
- Antibiotic washing alone may be insufficient for sterilizing parasite eggs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop improved methods for sterilizing Trichuris muris eggs.
- To enhance the accuracy of assessing parasite egg viability.
- To optimize the precision of parasite dose delivery in murine models.
Main Methods:
- Washing Trichuris muris eggs with 6.25% hypochlorite (bleach) for sterilization.
- Utilizing a hatching assay and propidium iodide staining for egg viability assessment.
- Employing metal gavage feeding needles for precise inoculum delivery.
Main Results:
- Bleach washing effectively eliminated bacteria and fungi without harming viable Trichuris muris eggs.
- The developed viability assays increased accuracy in dose evaluation.
- Metal gavage needles improved the accuracy and precision of delivered parasite doses compared to flexible tubes.
Conclusions:
- Bleach treatment is a superior method for sterilizing Trichuris muris inocula.
- Accurate viability assessment and precise dose delivery are critical for reducing experimental variability.
- These refined methods will enhance the reliability of murine Trichuris infection studies.
