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Analytical Chem JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

Diagnosis of Ecto- and Endoparasites in Laboratory Rats and Mice

DOI: 10.3791/2767-v
What you'll learn
  • ✓ Perform perianal, fur, and fecal sampling on live rodents for parasite detection
  • ✓ Prepare and examine fecal samples using floatation and cyst isolation techniques
  • ✓ Conduct skin scrapings and direct microscopic examination of intestinal and pelage tissues
  • ✓ Identify common ecto- and endoparasites in laboratory rats and mice
Protocol

Biopharma Insights This article describes various procedures for screening rats and mice to detect endo- or ectoparasitism. Several diagnostic assays will be demonstrated, both those suitable for use on live animals and those used after euthanasia of the animal. Photographs to aid in identification of rat and mouse parasites will be included.

Difficulty
intermediate
Total time
~45 min to 1 hour per animal (live sampling); post-mortem procedures ~30-45 min additional
Model organism
Laboratory rat, Laboratory mouse
Biosafety
BSL-1

Steps

1
Collect perianal and fur samples from live animals

Use tape strips and direct observation to collect ectoparasites and debris from the perianal region and fur coat. This non-invasive sampling is performed on live animals before euthanasia.

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2
Prepare fecal samples using floatation method

Process fresh fecal samples with floatation solution to separate parasite eggs and oocysts by density. This technique enriches light endoparasite structures for microscopic identification.

▶ 01:58
3
Examine fecal samples for cysts and protozoa

Prepare fecal smears and conduct direct wet-mount examination to identify protozoan cysts and other endoparasitic stages not detected by floatation alone.

▶ 02:56
4
Prepare and examine skin scrape samples

Scrape the skin surface with a blunt instrument to collect mites and other ectoparasites, then mount for direct microscopic examination.

▶ 04:01
5
Directly examine intestines for helminths and protozoa

After euthanasia, open the intestinal tract and perform direct examination of mucosal surfaces and luminal contents under microscopy to identify resident parasites.

▶ 04:31
6
Examine pelage directly under magnification

Inspect the fur coat at high magnification to visualize ectoparasites such as mites, lice, and flea debris in situ on the skin and hair.

▶ 06:19
7
Identify common parasites of rats and mice

Compare observed parasites to reference photographs and morphological keys to confirm species identification for accurate diagnostic reporting.

▶ 07:02
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