Protocol to measure bacterial intake and gut clearance of Caenorhabditis elegans

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a common model organism for studies in immunity and host-pathogen interactions. In this protocol, we describe techniques for measuring pharyngeal pumping and defecation rates of adult C. elegans exposed to either pathogenic or non-pathogenic bacteria. Quantifying changes in pumping or defecation rates during pathogenic infection can account for behavioral changes that may affect survival. We also detail how to synchronize C. elegans and expose the synchronize animals to either pathogenic or non-pathogenic bacteria. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Wibisono et al. (2022).