Abstract
A major challenge in the development of biocontrol methods targeting intestinal helminths is the lack of readily available strongylid experimental models that are also noninfective to humans. Noninfectivity to humans (and other nontarget organisms) is an important criterion for such models as this allows them to be used experimentally with minimal biosecurity measures, in standard laboratory settings. Preliminary laboratory work on raccoon feces in the context of an undergraduate parasitology course indicated that local raccoons are host to a specialist strongylid, Arthrocephalus lotoris, which only infects raccoons and skunks. Athrocephalus does not directly penetrate into its host, but must be eaten to be transmitted. Previously published studies indicate that this is one of the most abundant and commonly-occurring parasites in raccoons. The objectives of this project were to a) identify the prevalence of A. lotoris larvae from different latrine sites on NSU’s main campus; and b) develop a methodology for isolating live larvae from samples of raccoon feces collected at those sites. Fecal samples were examined from six sites, all of which were found to contain A. lotoris larvae. Infection intensities were estimated to range between 10 and 1,600 larvae per sample. Three recovery methods were tested: direct collection from rehydrated samples, collection after passage through graded sieves (35-235 mesh), and using a combination of centrifugation and flotation. Maximal recovery was obtained using direct collection and sieving. Ongoing work on this project will establish a timeline of viability for recovered A. lotoris larvae during which they can be used experimentally.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Christopher A. Blanar, Dr. Robert Smith
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-8-2016 1:00 PM
End Date
4-8-2016 5:30 PM
Recovery of Larval Strongylid Nematodes From Raccoon, Procyon lotor
Alvin Sherman Library
A major challenge in the development of biocontrol methods targeting intestinal helminths is the lack of readily available strongylid experimental models that are also noninfective to humans. Noninfectivity to humans (and other nontarget organisms) is an important criterion for such models as this allows them to be used experimentally with minimal biosecurity measures, in standard laboratory settings. Preliminary laboratory work on raccoon feces in the context of an undergraduate parasitology course indicated that local raccoons are host to a specialist strongylid, Arthrocephalus lotoris, which only infects raccoons and skunks. Athrocephalus does not directly penetrate into its host, but must be eaten to be transmitted. Previously published studies indicate that this is one of the most abundant and commonly-occurring parasites in raccoons. The objectives of this project were to a) identify the prevalence of A. lotoris larvae from different latrine sites on NSU’s main campus; and b) develop a methodology for isolating live larvae from samples of raccoon feces collected at those sites. Fecal samples were examined from six sites, all of which were found to contain A. lotoris larvae. Infection intensities were estimated to range between 10 and 1,600 larvae per sample. Three recovery methods were tested: direct collection from rehydrated samples, collection after passage through graded sieves (35-235 mesh), and using a combination of centrifugation and flotation. Maximal recovery was obtained using direct collection and sieving. Ongoing work on this project will establish a timeline of viability for recovered A. lotoris larvae during which they can be used experimentally.
