Methods of coprological diagnostics of animal parasitoses

The purpose of the research is to review the classical methods of coprological diagnostics, taking into account modern recommendations and proposals.
Materials and methods. Literature sources on the issues of coprological methods of diagnosing parasitosis have been studied.
Results and discussion. Diagnosis during life is an important element of practical veterinary activity, the success of which largely depends on the correct choice and competent use of suitable laboratory methods. For the diagnosis of parasitic diseases, the study of feces is most often used. Coprological methods are highly informative due to the fact that they can detect not only parasites of the digestive tract, liver, pancreas, but also a number of helminths of the respiratory system and even some tissue parasites that excrete eggs or larvae with feces. Unlike existing indirect immunological and molecular genetic methods, classical research methods are based on the detection and identification of the pathogens themselves at different stages of development. At the same time, the researcher has the opportunity to study morphological features and conduct morphometric analysis. The widespread use of classical coprological methods is also associated with their availability, they are quite simple to perform and relatively inexpensive. A limitation of coprological methods is the inability to diagnose pathogens that are at a non-propagative stage. The effectiveness of diagnostics is influenced by the method of collecting samples, the terms and conditions of transportation, and the choice of an adequate method for examining samples. The article presents the rules for sampling and options for the use of fixatives, a classification of coprological methods is given, and the procedure for performing research is described. Special attention is paid to the choice of flotation solutions, the method of cultivation of strongylid larvae and the method of sporulation of coccidia oocysts. Attention is drawn to the importance of micrometric measurements of detected objects. To ensure the quality of the conducted coprological studies, it is necessary to control the stages of the studies, the technical condition of the equipment and train the personnel. The material presented in the article is intended for both students and practitioners.

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