Pinworms are nematode parasites which frequently infect colonies of laboratory mice and can pose a serious threat to both germ-free and conventional murine research models in vivariums and research facilities. Pinworms, which are small intestinal parasites, have a life cycle that can be completed in as little as 11-15 days. Gravid females migrate from the large intestine to the perianal area, deposit their eggs, and then die. These eggs become infective in about 6 hours and can survive for weeks under most animal room conditions. Once ingested by another host, the larvae reach the cecum in 24 hours, where they continue to mature and mate, thus continuing the cycle. Laboratory mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, and wild rodents can all be affected by pinworm infestations, and the parasites are most commonly found in the cecum and colon of infected hosts.
While pinworms of laboratory rodents are generally not considered pathogens, the burden of these parasites in an infected rodent population can be significant. Pinworm infections can interfere with research outcomes, for example by reducing the occurrence of adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. In this article, we will explain the best methods for remediation and how QuipDecon services can help take the burden of pinworm remediation off of our customer’s shoulders, while ensuring that it’s being done correctly to minimize the risk of unnecessary disruptions to research outcomes.
How Do Pinworm Outbreaks Affect Research Outcomes?
Pinworms, particularly the murine pinworm Syphacia muris, are a common parasite that infests research vivariums. As a research facility manager, you know that the health and safety of your animals is of utmost importance, and these parasites not only pose a health risk to mice and rats but can also negatively impact research outcomes and create a significant operational burden on facility care staff.
In one 2006 study, researchers demonstrated the consequence of an outbreak in a transgenic mouse facility of infection with a common, highly contagious, rapidly spreading mouse nematode parasite, the pinworm (S. obvelata). Several gene-deficient mouse strains became severely and chronically infected. These researchers defined S. obvelata-induced host immune responses and showed evidence for protective type 2 responses, with IL-13 (but not IL-4) being essential for resistance and parasite control. They also provided experimental data demonstrating that S. obvelata infection could alter the outcome of an unrelated experiment, i.e., ovalbumin-induced allergic reactions.
