DNA-based quantification and counting of transmission stages provides different but complementary parasite load estimates: an example from rodent coccidia (Eimeria).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Counting parasite transmission stages in faeces is the classical measurement to quantify "parasite load". DNA-based quantifications of parasite intensities from faecal samples are relatively novel and often validated against such counts. When microscopic and molecular quantifications do not correlate, it is unclear whether oocyst counts or DNA-based intensity better reflects biologically meaningful concepts. Here, we investigate this issue using the example of Eimeria ferrisi (Coccidia), an intracellular parasite of house mice (Mus musculus).

Methods

We performed an infection experiment of house mice with E. ferrisi, in which the intensity of infection correlates with increased health impact on the host, measured as temporary weight loss during infection. We recor

SUBMITTER: Jarquin-Diaz VH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8815199 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature