References
ABC series on diagnostic parasitology part 2: the McMaster method
Abstract
Classical coprological methods allow for inexpensive, quick and reliable detection of parasitic elements. However, the detection of these parasitic elements may be insufficient and quantification of the parasitic burden may be required. As such, faecal egg counts can play a crucial role in providing these extra data. Herewith we describe the McMaster method, one of the most used faecal egg count methods described.
Despite the advantages of modern molecular approaches to parasitic disease diagnosis, the coprological methodologies still seem to be the most widely used methods (Ward et al, 1997; Cringoli et al, 2010; Vadlejch et al, 2011). This is due to their being inexpensive, fast and logistically feasible for the ordinary veterinary clinic or veterinary hospital, using low complexity materials and reagents. Thus, classical coprological methods allow for quick and reliable detection of parasites. However, the detection of these parasitic elements may be insufficient and further data might be required to allow definitive diagnosis, specifically the quantification of parasitic forms. As such, faecal egg counts can play a crucial role in monitoring helminth loads, determining the extent of pasture contamination, allowing also anthelmintic resistance identification and sustaining epidemiological studies (Nichols and Obendorf, 1994; Ward et al, 1997; Vadlejch et al, 2011). There are a number of faecal egg count methods that quantify the number of parasitic elements per weight of faeces, and all of them are based on the microscopic examination of a stool suspension. Among all faecal egg count methods described, the McMaster method stands out for being the most widely used in veterinary parasitology. In fact, the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP) recommends the use of the McMaster technique for both the screening for anthelmintic resistance (Coles et al, 1992) and testing anthelmintic drug efficacy in ruminants (Wood et al, 1995).
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