I’m working on a DNA extraction optimization for Ascaris, but we have no fecal samples that are positive for Ascaris. We have obtained some Ascaris eggs, and I will be spiking negative human stool samples with the eggs.
I’m going to use different concentrations of eggs/ mg, but I’ve been trying to estimate how much I should use or what an “average” eggs/ mg amount would be, if there even is such a thing. With a single female laying about 200,000 eggs per day, that concentration could vary tremendously depending on number of worms in the intestine, number of bowel movements in a day, etc.
Does anyone have any suggestions on what concentrations would be optimal to use, based on how many eggs would “normally” be seen? I’d like to get a spectrum from severe infection to barely detectable/ subclinical. Thanks for your help.
Christian G Meyer Terrific, thank you very much for your help.
@Eduardo X. Rodríguez: sorry, please the numbers I have provided above refer to Ascaris lumbricoides. I guess, however, that the numbers of A. suum are equal.
Christian G Meyer Thanks for the clarification. I'm using A. suum eggs for the optimization protocol in preparation for some potentially A. lumbricoides (+) samples to be tested soon. So the numbers you provided would be the ones I need, it works out. We're thinking it's safe to assume similar enough or identical physiochemistry (lipoprotein, chitin, etc.), hardness, etc., between the eggs of both, especially since they're likely subspecies of the same species.
mature female ascaris worms are extraordinarily lay up to 240,000 eggs a day which are passed with the faces.
- Badges
- Science method