An in vitro technique for the production of eggs of Echinococcus granulosus by maturation of partly developed strobila

Extract

Partly developed strobila of Echinococcus granulosus from a 28–38 days infection in a dog have been brought to maturity by culturing in both liquid and diphasic media.

Surface-sterilization of the worms from dogs was achieved by use of antibiotics. Maturation was most successful in a diphasic system consisting of Parker 199+10% inactivated bovine serum over a solid base of coagulated bovine serum and a gas phase of 8% O₂+5% CO₂ in N₂.

In the most successful results in diphasic media, a 28-day-old strobila reached maturity after a further 14 days in vitro culture, and a 35-day-old strobila matured after 6 days culture.

Ova produced in vitro showed activity but were not tested for infectivity. Abnormalities developed in some cultures, especially in monophasic media.

This work was supported by the Australian Wool Board, the World Health Organization and U.S. Public Health Service Research Grant no. E 4707–03.