In vitro embryonation of Syphacia obvelata eggs

Mouse infections with the pinworm, Syphacia obvelata, were evaluated as a potential model of human enterobiasis. Eggs of S. obvelata were found to be much less resistant to adverse environmental factors than those of Enterobius vermicularis, perishing rapidly when exposed to desiccation or to water. The average number of eggs produced by a female worm was 317 +/- 29 S.D. (range: 266-347), which is about 2-3% of the fecundity of E. vermicularis. Eggs expressed from gravid S. obvelata were incubated under various conditions, but the only reliable method of supporting complete embryonation was culture on a floating cellophane membrane. At 30 degrees C on this substrate, eggs were found to be infective between 6 and 42 h, inclusive. The pre-patent period in mice fed these eggs was 11-15 days. The more fastidious developmental and survival requirements of Syphacia eggs indicate that transmission of this species depends on much more intimate contact between hosts than is required by E. vermicularis.