Determination of the Specific Gravity of Certain Helminth Eggs Using Sucrose Density Gradient Centrifugation

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Abstract
The specific gravities of 10 spp. of helminth eggs were determined using sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Fecal or egg concentrate was layered over a 3-54% sucrose density gradient and centrifuged at 800 g for 20 min, allowing 5 min for acceleration and 5 for deceleration. Bands formed were identified and measured. Refractive index was measured at the middle of narrow bands, or at the level at which the concentration of eggs was highest, in the case of wide bands or when no band was formed. The specific gravity corresponding to this refractive index was taken as the specific gravity of the eggs. The 10 spp. of helminth eggs studied and specific gravities measured on 3 or 4 gradients were Toxascaris leonina, 1.0559; Ancylostoma caninum, 1.0559; Toxocara canis, 1.0900; Parascaris equorum, 1.0969; Toxocara cati (embryonate), 1.1005; Ascaris suum, 1.1299; Trichuris suis, 1.1299; T. vulpis, 1.1453; Taenia sp., 1.2251; and Physaloptera sp., 1.2376. These determinations agree with or approximate those of previous workers. The specific gravities of P. equorum, T. suis, Taenia sp. and Physaloptera sp. are reported for the first time.

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