STUDIES ON THE LIFE CYCLE OF Syphacia muris, THE RAT PINWORM

Abstract

1) A technique for obtaining infective eggs of S. muris is described.
2) The experimental life cycle of S. muris in the albino rat is outlined, and observations on the growth and development of the pinworm presented in tabular form.
3) The significance of retrofection as a mode of infection of the rat hosts with S. muris is discussed.
4) A procedure for infecting pinworm-free rats is described, with emphasis placed on the ease, convenience, and application of the procedure. Finally, mention is made of the potential this host-parasite combination holds for future investigation.