Fasciola hepatica: comparison of the sedimentation and FLOTAC techniques for the detection and quantification of faecal egg counts in rats.
We compared the sedimentation and FLOTAC techniques for the detection and quantification of Fasciola hepatica eggs in faecal samples obtained from 120 experimentally-infected rats before intervention, and in 42 rats after drug administration. Additionally, the average time for a single test was determined. A single FLOTAC showed a higher sensitivity (92.6%) than 2, 4 and 8 sedimentation readings (63.0-85.2%) for detecting F. hepatica eggs in rat faeces post-treatment. On average, it took 21 min to prepare and examine a single FLOTAC, whereas 114 min were needed for the sedimentation method including the reading of 8 slides. In both treated and untreated rats, the sedimentation method resulted in higher mean faecal egg counts (FECs) than FLOTAC (P<0.05). In view of the high sensitivity and efficiency, the FLOTAC technique holds promise for experimental work in the F. hepatica-rat model. Additional research is needed to determine the reasons for the observed differences in FECs.
Duthaler
Urs
U
Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland.
Rinaldi
Laura
L
Maurelli
Maria P
MP
Vargas
Mireille
M
Utzinger
Jürg
J
Cringoli
Giuseppe
G
Keiser
Jennifer
J
D000818:Animals; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005210:Fasciola hepatica / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005211:Fascioliasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology*; D005260:Female; D010270:Parasite Egg Count / Q000379:methods*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors
D000871:Anthelmintics