title: Long-term population dynamics of pinworms (Syphacia obvelata and Aspiculuris tetraptera) in mice.
abstract: The population dynamics of concurrent infections of Syphacia obvelata and Aspiculuris tetraptera (Nematoda) in laboratory mice were investigated under conditions of constant re-exposure over periods of 56 and 115 days. The results indicate that A. tetraptera burdens equilibrate at a higher level than S. obvelata burdens and that both parasites become aggregated in the mouse population. Parasite burdens were higher following short-term (7 day) exposure of uninfected tracer mice to both parasites when compared with parasite burdens attained over long-term exposure, indicating probable development of immunity. A significant positive correlation was detected between numbers of immature S. obvelata and immature A. tetraptera for both experimental and tracer mice.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D051379:Mice; D009348:Nematoda / Q000254:growth & development*; D009349:Nematode Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000469:parasitology*; D010123:Oxyuriasis / Q000150:complications / Q000469:parasitology*; D010124:Oxyuroidea / Q000254:growth & development*; D013997:Time Factors