Techniques for Detection Ecto- and Endoparasite Infestation of Laboratory Mice

Abstract

Several techniques for detection of parasite infestation in mice which used or can be used in our laboratories are described in this report.
For internal parasite infestations, cellophane tape method (or Scotch Tape technique), direct smear method, flotation technique with saturated saline water and autopsy are used. Ova of Syphacia obvelata is detected efficiently by cellophane tape technique. In the contrary, egg of Aspiculuris tetraptera Hymenolepis nana and Hymenolepis diminuta are detected by direct Emear method or flotation technique with saturated saline water. In autopsy, alimentary canal, liver and urinary bladder should be examined in detail for above mentioned parasites and other helminths.
On the other hand, for ectoparasites, hair warming technique, cellophane tape method, wide cellophane tape method, scab-warming technique and stimulation method with carbone dioxide-gas are uEed. Cellophane tape method and hair warming technique are simple and effective to be used for live host checking.