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Collection methods of trematode eggs using experimental animal models.
Daigo Tsubokawa1, Hiromu Sugiyama2, Fusako Mikami1
1Department of Parasitology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0374, Japan.
Parasitology International
|January 22, 2016
Summary
Collecting helminth eggs for parasitology education is challenging. This study details a sustainable method using animal models to obtain abundant Paragonimus westermani, Clonorchis sinensis, and Metagonimus yokogawai eggs for training.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Veterinary Science
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Observing human parasitic helminth eggs is crucial for medical parasitology education.
- Limited opportunities for egg collection hinder practical training.
- A sustainable supply of helminth eggs is needed for medical education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a reliable method for collecting helminth eggs for educational purposes.
- To introduce procedures for obtaining trematode eggs using experimental animal models.
Main Methods:
- Metacercariae of Paragonimus westermani, Clonorchis sinensis, and Metagonimus yokogawai were sourced from freshwater crabs and fish obtained via online shopping.
- These metacercariae were used to inoculate experimental rats and dogs.
- Fecal samples from the animals were analyzed for the presence of trematode eggs.
Main Results:
- Abundant eggs of the three trematode species were successfully obtained from the feces of inoculated rats and dogs.
- The developed method provides a sustainable source of helminth eggs.
- These eggs are currently utilized for student training in Japanese universities.
Conclusions:
- Experimental animal models offer a viable and sustainable solution for obtaining a consistent supply of helminth eggs for medical education.
- The described collection procedures are effective for producing sufficient quantities of Paragonimus westermani, Clonorchis sinensis, and Metagonimus yokogawai eggs.
