Further studies on Nematospiroides dubius in mice

Abstract

The first part of this dissertation examines some of the factors involved in culturing N. dubius larvae. The importance of the correct temperature and adequate nutrition of the larvae is demonstrated.

A modified method for culturing larvae using 100/4 Tryptose Phosphate Broth and bacteria from fresh faeces is described.

The second part involves a preliminary study on the use of ELISA to detect antibodies to N. dubius infection in mice using adult worm, egg, larval and exsheathing fluid antigens. The results indicated that the ELISA can be used to detect antibodies to N. dubius in mice and that the egg antigen was the most suitable antigen. Attempts to demonstrate cross reactivity between A. tetraptera antigen and N. dubius antibodies showed no obvious cross reaction.

The final part involved a comparison of various features of a laboratory strain of N. dubius with one obtained from wild mice. Results indicated that though morphologically similar, there were some biometric differences.