Collection methods of trematode eggs using experimental animal models

- Observing the helminth eggs is essential for medical education in parasitology.
- Collection of the eggs using experimental animals is needed.
- The metacercariae of P. westermani, C. sinensis and M. yokogawai were collected.
- Eggs of the three trematode species were obtained abundantly.

Although observing the eggs of human parasitic helminth is essential for medical education in parasitology, opportunities for collection of the eggs are limited. Collection of the eggs using experimental animal models is needed for a sustainable supply. The metacercariae of three trematode species, Paragonimus westermani, Clonorchis sinensis and Metagonimus yokogawai, were collected from the second intermediate hosts: freshwater crabs and fishes, which were obtained using online shopping in Japan, and inoculated to experimental animal rat and dog. Consequently, eggs of the three trematode species were obtained abundantly from the feces of the animals. The eggs are being used for student training in several Japanese universities. In this article, we introduce the collection procedures for trematode eggs.

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