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Updated: Aug 23, 2025
Soil Sampling and Isolation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae
Published on: July 11, 2014
Assessing DESS solution for the long-term preservation of nematodes from faecal samples.
M Gonzálvez1, R Ruiz de Ybáñez2, R C Rodríguez-Caro3
1Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; Área de Ecología, Departamento de Biología Aplicada, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Av. de la Universidad, 03202 Elche, Spain.
DESS solution offers a safe, low-cost method for preserving nematode eggs and adults in faeces for up to two years. This alternative to traditional fixatives maintains morphometry and DNA viability, ideal for fieldwork and genetic studies.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Conservation Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Traditional biological sample preservation methods like formaldehyde and ethanol pose health risks and can degrade DNA.
- There is a need for effective, safe alternatives for preserving biological specimens, particularly nematodes, for morphological and genetic analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of DESS solution for preserving nematode eggs and adult nematodes in faecal samples.
- To compare DESS solution with traditional methods (ethanol, no preserver) for short-term (1 month) and long-term (2 years) storage.
Main Methods:
- Faecal samples from tortoises containing oxyurid eggs were stored using four different protocols: no preserver (-20°C), DESS solution (room temperature), DESS solution (-20°C), and 70% ethanol (room temperature).
- Egg viability and morphological integrity were assessed after 1 month.
- Nematode morphology and DNA viability were assessed after 2 years of storage in DESS solution.
Main Results:
- DESS solution at room temperature effectively preserved nematode eggs for 1 month, comparable to or better than other methods.
- Morphological identification of adult nematodes was successful after 2 years of storage in DESS solution.
- Nematode DNA remained viable after 2 years of storage in DESS solution.
Conclusions:
- DESS solution is a suitable, cost-effective, and safe alternative for preserving nematode eggs and adult nematodes in faeces.
- This method is advantageous for morphological and genetic analyses, particularly in field conditions and for shipments without refrigeration.
