THE BEHAVIOR OF THE NUCLEIC ACIDS DURING THE EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF THE SEA URCHIN EGG (ARBACIA)

The authors wish to correct an error in the paper "The behavior of the nucleic acids during the early development of the sea urchin egg (Arbacia)" (J. Gen. Physiol., 1947–48, 31, 203). Owing to an oversight, the figures for the amounts of various P fractions in a single Arbacia egg have been erroneously expressed in γ x 10^–3 units (Tables I and II, page 205; the last two lines of page 206). The figures should have been expressed in γ x 10^–5 units. Thus, the fertilized Arbacia egg contains an average of 20 γ x 10^–5 ribonucleic acid P and 0.7 to 1 γ x 10^–5 desoxyribonucleic acid P.     

Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations between Egg Consumption and Metabolic Syndrome in Adults ≥ 40 Years Old: The Yangpyeong Cohort of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES_Yangpyeong)

Since the 1970s, the public has been advised to limit egg consumption even though there is little evidence of any harmful effect of eggs on blood cholesterol. The purpose of this cross-sectional and prospective study was to evaluate the potential association between egg consumption and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and MetS components in adults ≥ 40 years in KoGES_Yangpyeong. Yangpyeong is a rural area in South Korea. A total of 2,887 subjects (men 1,115, women 1,772) were recruited from 2005 to 2009, based on a physical examination and questionnaires administered using standardized protocol. After excluding subjects who had MetS at baseline, 1,663 subjects (675 men, 958 women) were followed for 3.20 years (range: 0.34–8.70). During the follow-up period, MetS occurred in 289 subjects. More than 3 eggs per week was significantly associated with decreased risk of MetS in both men (RR = 0.46, 95% CI, 0.26–0.82, P for trend = 0.1093) and women (RR = 0.54, 95% CI, 0.31–0.93, P for trend 0.0325) compared to non-users. There was a cross-sectional inverse relationship between egg consumption and abdominal obesity in men and women. Also, prospectively, higher egg consumption in men was associated with a decreased risk of high fasting blood glucose (RR = 0.39, 95% CI, 0.22–0.67, P for trend = 0.0042) and high triglycerides (RR = 0.42, 95% CI, 0.22–0.80, P for trend = 0.1080). In conclusion, our findings suggest that higher egg consumption may reduce the risk of MetS both in men and women, and the risk of high fasting blood glucose and high triglycerides in men. Current guidelines regarding egg consumption may need to be re-visited for healthy middle-aged and elderly people.     

Simple Chromatographic Method for Simultaneous Analyses of Phosphatidylcholine, Lysophosphatidylcholine, and Free Fatty Acids

This study describes a simple chromatographic method for the simultaneous analyses of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and its hydrolytic degradation products: lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and free fatty acids (FFA). Quantitative determination of PC, LPC, and FFA is essential in order to assure safety and to accurately assess the shelf life of phospholipid-containing products. A single-run normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with evaporative light scattering detector has been developed. The method utilizes an Allsphere silica analytical column and a gradient elution with mobile phases consisting of chloroform: chloroform–methanol (70:30%, v/v) and chloroform–methanol–water–ammonia (45:45:9.5:0.5%, v/v/v/v). The method adequately resolves PC, LPC, and FFA within a run time of 25 min. The quantitative analysis of PC and LPC has been achieved with external standard method. The free fatty acids were analyzed as a group using linoleic acid as representative standard. Linear calibration curves were obtained for PC (1.64–16.3 μg, r² = 0.9991) and LPC (0.6–5.0 μg, r² = 0.9966), while a logarithmic calibration curve was obtained for linoleic acid (1.1–5.8 μg, r² = 0.9967). The detection and quantification limits of LPC and FFA were 0.04 and 0.1 μg, respectively. As a means of validating the applicability of the assay to pharmaceutical products, PC liposome was subjected to alkaline hydrolytic degradation. Quantitative HPLC analysis showed that 97% of the total mass balance for PC could be accounted for in liposome formulation. The overall results show that the HPLC method could be a useful tool for chromatographic analysis, stability studies, and formulation characterization of phospholipid-based pharmaceuticals.KEY WORDS: evaporative light scattering detection, free fatty acid, lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylcholine     

Liquid culture of the entomopathogenic nematode,Steinernema colombiense: evolution of the nematode concentration,particles volume fraction,rheological properties and surface tension

ABSTRACT

The rheological properties and surface tension (σ) of culture broths with suspended particles are factors that affect the performance of fermentation processes. This article presents the first report concerning the evolution of suspended particles, rheological properties and σ of culture broths during the liquid culture of Steinernema colombiense and its symbiont bacterium, in a medium containing 1.25% (w/v) egg yolk. Cultures started with 1087?infective-juveniles/mL and finished with 53,583?individuals/mL after 10 days. Culture broths were moderately concentrated suspensions with total particles volume fraction in the range 0.08–0.14. The suspended particles were nematodes of different sizes depending on their developmental stage, and egg yolk particles. Rheological properties corresponded to pseudoplastic fluids with flow behaviour index values ?0.3 (dimensionless), greatly determined by the symbiotic bacterium activity. After nematode inoculation, the apparent viscosity values (η_a; Pa s) for the whole culture broth and its supernatants were in the ranges 0.010–0.018 and 0.008–0.015, respectively. Concerning σ, their values were in the range 31.22–37.74?mN/m, probably determined by the contents of egg yolk.     

Destruction of Enteric Bacteria in Liquid Egg with β-Propiolactone

Liquid whole egg or egg white, inoculated with Escherichia coli 1485, Salmonella senftenberg ATCC 8400, or Salmonella typhimurium 84-I, was treated with concentrations of β-propiolactone ranging from 0.05 to 0.3%. Egg white containing 1 × 10³ to 1 × 10⁶ cells of E. coli 1485 per ml was sterilized in 1 hr at 27 C by lactone concentrations of 0.2 and 0.3%. Egg white containing 1 × 10⁵ cells of S. senftenberg ATCC 8400 per ml was sterilized in 12 hr at 10 C by 0.1% lactone and in 2 to 3 hr by 0.3% lactone at the same temperature.

Liquid whole egg inoculated with 1 × 10⁵ cells of either species of Salmonella was sterilized in 4 to 5 hr at 10 C with 0.2% lactone or in 2 to 3 hr by 0.3% lactone at this temperature. A mild heat treatment of either 15 min at 37 C or 1 min at 55 C markedly shortened the exposure times required for sterilization by β-propiolactone at 10 C.

After disinfection was complete, the lactone-treated liquid whole egg was reinoculated with low cell numbers of either species of Salmonella to determine the presence of residual lactone or toxic products. Liquid whole egg treated with 0.2% lactone would support the growth of salmonellae after 13 to 14 hr at 10 C. A heat treatment of 45 min at 37 C or 10 min at 55 C immediately after addition of 0.2% lactone allowed growth of the salmonellae in the lactone-treated liquid whole egg. No evidence of residual toxicity from the lactone treatment was found.

The amount of lactone needed to prevent the outgrowth of low cell numbers of either strain of Salmonella in liquid whole egg was quantitated. Liquid whole egg containing 0.06 to 0.07% lactone would not support salmonellae growth from inocula of 1 to 10 cells per ml of egg. Lactone concentrations above 0.08% prevented outgrowth of salmonellae inocula of 10 to 200 cells per ml of liquid whole egg.

     

Mechanism for Increase in Intracellular Concentration of Free Calcium in Fertilized Sea Urchin Egg : A Method for Estimating Intracellular Concentration of Free Calcium

Intracellular free calcium concentration in the sea urchin egg was calculated to increase from 0.1 mM in an unfertilized egg to 1 mM in a fertilized egg 10 min after fertilization, based on measurement of the dissociation constant between free calcium and sea urchin egg homogenate. The dissociation constant between free calcium (dialyzable calcium) and homogenate of sea urchin eggs was measured by means of dialysis equilibrium. The dissociation constant of the unfertilized egg was about 10^–4 M and that of the fertilized egg was about 10–3 M in three species of sea urchin, Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus, Anthocidaris crassispina, and Pseudocentrotus depressus. An increase in the dissociation constant of the unfertilized egg homogenate was observed after the addition of calcium ion at a concentration above 0.3 mM, the dissociation constant becoming the same as that observed in the fertilized egg homogenate after the administration of CaCl₂ at a concentration above 1 mM. Sodium ion also caused a decrease in the calcium-binding ability of the unfertilized egg homogenate. Therefore, penetration of calcium ion or sodium ion upon fertilization might induce an increase in the dissociation constant and then intracellular concentration of free calcium would increase at fertilization. Almost all calcium-binding ability of the egg homogenate was found in the microsomal fraction, and the substance which bound calcium was thought to be protein in nature, since trypsin could decrease the level of calcium-binding substance in the homogenate of the eggs.     

Status of Helminthic Infections in Residents around River Basins in the Republic of Korea for 10 Years (2011–2020)

The positive rate of Clonorchis sinensis is the highest among intestinal parasites in the Republic of Korea (Korea). More than 1.2 million people were at risk of C. sinensis infection in Korea in 2012. An intensive control program is being implemented for residents of the 5 major river basins to reduce helminthic infections, including C. sinensis infection. This study evaluated the continuous intensive control program for parasitic diseases including clonorchiasis in areas near the 5 major river basins in Korea over the past 10 years (2011–2020). A total of 335,020 fecal samples (one sample per resident) prepared by the modified sedimentation technic were microscopically examined. Those who expelled helminth eggs were treated with anthelmintics through local health centers and re-examined 3 months later. The overall positive rate of helminths egg was 7.1%. The annual positive rates were dramatically decreased from 14.4% (2011) to 5.9% (2020). The egg positive rate was highest in C. sinensis (5.3%), followed by heterophyid flukes (1.5%) and Trichuris trichiura (0.2%). The prevalence of C. sinensis was significantly higher in males (7.6%) than in females (3.7%), and the highest in the 50–59 years (7.0%) age group. Our results are beneficial to establish prevention and control policies against helminthiases including clonorchiasis in endemic areas in this country.     

Localization of the Kinesin-like Protein Xklp2 to Spindle Poles Requires a Leucine Zipper,a Microtubule-associated Protein,and Dynein

Xklp2 is a plus end–directed Xenopus kinesin-like protein localized at spindle poles and required for centrosome separation during spindle assembly in Xenopus egg extracts. A glutathione-S-transferase fusion protein containing the COOH-terminal domain of Xklp2 (GST-Xklp2-Tail) was previously found to localize to spindle poles (Boleti, H., E. Karsenti, and I. Vernos. 1996. Cell. 84:49–59). Now, we have examined the mechanism of localization of GST-Xklp2-Tail. Immunofluorescence and electron microscopy showed that Xklp2 and GST-Xklp2-Tail localize specifically to the minus ends of spindle pole and aster microtubules in mitotic, but not in interphase, Xenopus egg extracts. We found that dimerization and a COOH-terminal leucine zipper are required for this localization: a single point mutation in the leucine zipper prevented targeting. The mechanism of localization is complex and two additional factors in mitotic egg extracts are required for the targeting of GST-Xklp2-Tail to microtubule minus ends: (a) a novel 100-kD microtubule-associated protein that we named TPX2 (Targeting protein for Xklp2) that mediates the binding of GST-Xklp2-Tail to microtubules and (b) the dynein–dynactin complex that is required for the accumulation of GST-Xklp2-Tail at microtubule minus ends. We propose two molecular mechanisms that could account for the localization of Xklp2 to microtubule minus ends.     

Diversity of the Lactic Acid Bacterium and Yeast Microbiota in the Switch from Firm- to Liquid-Sourdough Fermentation

Four traditional type I sourdoughs were comparatively propagated (28 days) under firm (dough yield, 160) and liquid (dough yield, 280) conditions to mimic the alternative technology options frequently used for making baked goods. After 28 days of propagation, liquid sourdoughs had the lowest pH and total titratable acidity (TTA), the lowest concentrations of lactic and acetic acids and free amino acids, and the most stable density of presumptive lactic acid bacteria. The cell density of yeasts was the highest in liquid sourdoughs. Liquid sourdoughs showed simplified microbial diversity and harbored a low number of strains, which were persistent. Lactobacillus plantarum dominated firm sourdoughs over time. Leuconostoc lactis and Lactobacillus brevis dominated only some firm sourdoughs, and Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis persisted for some time only in some firm sourdoughs. Leuconostoc citreum persisted in all firm and liquid sourdoughs, and it was the only species detected in liquid sourdoughs at all times; it was flanked by Leuconostoc mesenteroides in some sourdoughs. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida humilis, Saccharomyces servazzii, Saccharomyces bayanus-Kazachstania sp., and Torulaspora delbrueckii were variously identified in firm and liquid sourdoughs. A total of 197 volatile components were identified through purge and trap–/solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (PT–/SPME–GC-MS). Aldehydes, several alcohols, and some esters were at the highest levels in liquid sourdoughs. Firm sourdoughs mainly contained ethyl acetate, acetic acid, some sulfur compounds, and terpenes. The use of liquid fermentation would change the main microbial and biochemical features of traditional baked goods, which have been manufactured under firm conditions for a long time.     

Enumeration of Salmonellae in Table Eggs,Pasteurized Egg Products,and Egg-Containing Dishes by Using Quantitative Real-Time PCR

Salmonellae are a major cause of food-borne outbreaks in Europe, with eggs and egg products being identified as major sources. Due to the low levels of salmonellae in eggs and egg products, direct quantification is difficult. In the present study, enrichment quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was employed for enumeration of salmonellae in different matrices: table eggs, pasteurized egg products, and egg-containing dishes. Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis and S. enterica serovar Tennessee were used to artificially contaminate these matrices. The results showed a linear regression between the numbers of salmonellae and the quantification cycle (C_q) values for all matrices used, with the exception of pasteurized egg white. Standard curves were constructed by using both stationary-phase cells and heat-stressed cells, with similar results. Finally, this method was used to evaluate the fate of salmonellae in two egg-containing dishes, long egg and tiramisu, at abused refrigeration temperatures, and results indicated the growth of bacteria over a 1-week period. In conclusion, enrichment qPCR was shown to be reliable for enumeration of salmonellae in different egg products.     

Continuous Variation Rather than Specialization in the Egg Phenotypes of Cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) Parasitizing Two Sympatric Reed Warbler Species

The evolution of brood parasitism has long attracted considerable attention among behavioural ecologists, especially in the common cuckoo system. Common cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) are obligatory brood parasites, laying eggs in nests of passerines and specializing on specific host species. Specialized races of cuckoos are genetically distinct. Often in a given area, cuckoos encounter multiple hosts showing substantial variation in egg morphology. Exploiting different hosts should lead to egg-phenotype specialization in cuckoos to match egg phenotypes of the hosts. Here we test this assumption using a wild population of two sympatrically occurring host species: the great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) and reed warbler (A. scirpaceus). Using colour spectrophotometry, egg shell dynamometry and egg size measurements, we studied egg morphologies of cuckoos parasitizing these two hosts. In spite of observing clear differences between host egg phenotypes, we found no clear differences in cuckoo egg morphologies. Interestingly, although chromatically cuckoo eggs were more similar to reed warbler eggs, after taking into account achromatic differences, cuckoo eggs seemed to be equally similar to both host species. We hypothesize that such pattern may represent an initial stage of an averaging strategy of cuckoos, that – instead of specializing for specific hosts or exploiting only one host – adapt to multiple hosts.     

Rheological Characteristics of Heat-Induced Custard Pudding Gels with High Antioxidative Activity

Custard pudding gels were prepared from fresh whole egg, milk and sugar. The effects of D-psicose (Psi), a non-calorie rare hexose, on the antioxidative activity and rheological properties of the custard pudding gels were investigated at different temperatures for comparison with those of control sugars (sucrose, Suc; D-fructose, Fru). The rheological behavior of the heat-induced pudding gels was evaluated by using breaking and creep tests. During the heat-induced gel formation, custard pudding containing Psi (15%, wt/wt) demonstrated a stronger breaking strength and higher viscoelasticity than those containing Fru and Suc. The thermodynamic parameters obtained from DSC indicated that the egg white (EW) proteins were made less thermally stable when heated in the presence of Psi than in the presence of Fru and Suc. These findings are consistent with enhanced aggregation of the EW solution in the presence of Psi. Furthermore, the Psi pudding gels possessed higher antioxidative activity than the control sugar pudding gels by using an analysis of the scavenging activity on DPPH radicals and the ferric-reducing antioxidative power. These results suggest that Psi favored cross-linking of Psi-protein molecules through the Maillard reaction which increased the formation of intermediate products to improve functionality. Custard pudding containing Psi could therefore be an effective functional sweet dessert with high antioxidative activity and the outstanding gelling characteristics.     

Enterobius vermicularis Infection among Preschool Children: A 12-Year (2008–2019) Survey in Large Cities and Provinces of the Republic of Korea

A 12-year nationwide survey (2008–2019) was performed to investigate the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infection among preschool children in Seoul, 4 large cites (Busan, Incheon, Daegu, and Ulsan), and 9 provinces (grouped into 5 localities) in the Republic of Korea (=Korea). The survey was carried out once a year by 16 regional offices of the Korea Association of Health Promotion. The cello-tape perianal swab method (1 smear per child) was applied to detect eggs of E. vermicularis and other helminths. According to the results, the egg positive rate of E. vermicularis infection in 2008–2009 was 1.8–2.0%, but it decreased gradually to 0.6% in 2019 (P<0.05). The prevalence was significantly higher in boys (0.7–5.0%, mean 1.8%) than in girls (0.5–2.8%, mean 1.3%) (P<0.05). The 2 most southern localities, Jeju-do (Province) and Jeolla-do (inclusive of Jeollabuk-do and Jeollanam-do) and a mid-western province, Gyeonggi-do, revealed higher prevalences, whereas Seoul and Gangwon-do showed lower prevalences. The results indicate that a low-grade prevalence of E. vermicularis infection (less than 4%) has been maintained for the recent 12 years among preschool children in Korea. Continuous monitoring of enterobiasis in the child age group is necessary in Korea.     

The biohydrogenation of α-linoleic acid and oleic acid by rumen micro-organisms

1. α-[U-¹⁴C]Linolenic acid was incubated with the rumen contents of sheep and the metabolic products were characterized by thin-layer chromatography, gas–liquid chromatography and absorption spectroscopy in the ultraviolet and infrared. 2. A tentative scheme for the biohydrogenation route to stearic acid is presented. The main pathway is through diconjugated cis–cis–cis-octadecatrienoic acid, non-conjugated trans–cis (cis–trans)-octadecadienoic acid and trans-octadecenoic acid, but other pathways are apparent. 3. Washed rumen micro-organisms possessed only a limited capacity to hydrogenate α-linolenic acid and oleic acid but the rate was greatly stimulated by a factor(s) present in the supernatant rumen liquor. 4. Pure cultures of Clostridium perfringens, Streptococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and a coliform organism isolated from sheep faeces possessed negligible ability to hydrogenate unsaturated fatty acids compared with a mixed population of rumen micro-organisms. Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens slowly converted linoleic acid into octadecenoic acid.     

THE ACTIVATION OF STARFISH EGGS BY ACIDS : II. THE ACTION OF SUBSTITUTED BENZOIC ACIDS AND OF BENZOIC AND SALICYLIC ACIDS AS INFLUENCED BY THEIR SALTS.

1. Comparison of the rates of activation of unfertilized starfish eggs in pure solutions of a variety of parthenogenetically effective organic acids (fatty acids, carbonic acid, benzoic and salicylic acids, chloro- and nitrobenzoic acids) shows that solutions which activate the eggs at the same rate, although widely different in molecular concentration, tend to be closely similar in C_H. The dissociation constants of these acids range from 3.2 x 10^–7 to 1.32 x 10^–3. 2. In the case of each of the fourteen acids showing parthenogenetic action the rate of activation (within the favorable range of concentration) proved nearly proportional to the concentration of acid. The estimated C_H of solutions exhibiting an optimum action with exposures of 10 minutes (at 20°) lay typically between 1.1 x 10^–4 M and 2.1 x 10^–4 M (pH = 3.7–3.96), and in most cases between 1.6 x 10^–4 M and 2.1 x 10^–4 M (pH = 3.7–3.8). Formic acid (C_H = 4.2 x 10^–4 M) and o-chlorobenzoic acid (C_H = 3.5 x 10^–4 M) are exceptions; o-nitrobenzoic acid is ineffective, apparently because of slow penetration. 3. Activation is not dependent on the penetration of H ions into the egg from without, as is shown by the effects following the addition of its Na salt to the solution of the activating acid (acetic, benzoic, salicylic). The rate of activation is increased by such addition, to a degree indicating that the parthenogenetically effective component of the external solution is the undissociated free acid. Apparently the undissociated molecules alone penetrate the egg freely. It is assumed that, having penetrated, they dissociate in the interior of the egg, furnishing there the H ions which effect activation. 4. Attention is drawn to certain parallels between the physiological conditions controlling activation in the starfish egg and in the vertebrate respiratory center.     

Isolation of Psychrophilic Bacteriophage-Host Systems from Refrigerated Food Products

Thirty-eight bacteriophage-host systems were isolated from 22 of 45 refrigerated food products examined under psychrophilic conditions. Isolates were obtained from ground beef, pork sausage, chicken, raw skim milk, and oysters, whereas no isolations were made from liquid egg whites and processed meat products. Thirty of the 38 psychrophilic bacterial hosts were gram-negative rods, and 27 of these were classified within the genus Pseudomonas; three were members of the family Enterobacteriaceae. The remaining eight were gram-positive cocci, which were tentatively classified as Leuconostoc. Plate counts of psychrophilic bacteria were greater than 2.2 × 10⁵/ml (g) in all but one sample which contained phage, whereas phage titers ranged from less than 100 to 6.3 × 10⁶ plaque-forming units/ml (g). Phage isolates showed limited host ranges usually attacking only those hosts upon which they were isolated. Of eight phages tested against 13 cultures of known identity, one showed lytic action, and this was against strains of P. fragi.     

The morphology of the preimaginal stages of Squamapion elongatum (Germar, 1817) (Coleoptera,Curculionoidea, Apionidae) and notes on its biology

Data on the morphology of the egg, mature larva (L₃) and pupa of Squamapion elongatum (Germar, 1817) are presented. The development cycle of this species lasts 51–54 days: a 12-day egg period, a 30-day larval period, and a 12-day pupal period, on average. The larvae are attacked by parasitic hymenopterans of the superfamily Chalcidoidea.     

Rheological characterization of xanthan fermentation broths and their reconstituted solutions

Two strains of X. campestris from a collection and a wild strain isolated from infected cabbage were cultured in a defined medium in a 25 dm³ fermenter. The rheological characteristics of the broth were measured using a Weissenberg rheogoniometer. The rheological behaviour over a wide range of shear rates could be described with the power law model and a yield stress was obtained using the Herschel-Bulkley equation. As expected, the broth's flow behaviour is highly influenced by gum concentration. In general, the rheological parameters during the fermentations varied within the following ranges: K (2–210 dyn-sⁿ/cm²), n (0.2–0.9), τ _y (0.02–50 dyn/ cm²), with strain 1459 reaching the maximum values as well as the highest gum concentration. Differences in flow behaviour could be associated with different molecular configurations of the polymers produced by the different strains. Heat treatment of the broths change the rheological characteristics, increasing K and decreasing n. Reconstituted solutions of all sterilized gums exhibited similar rheological characteristics and, at low concentrations, also similar to those of a commercial xanthan.     

Correlation between discharged worms and fecal egg counts in human clonorchiasis

Background

Stool examination by counting eggs per gram of feces (EPGs) is the best method to estimate worm burden of Clonorchis sinensis in infected humans. The present study investigated a correlation between EPGs and worm burden in human clonorchiasis.

Methods and Findings

A total of 60 residents, 50 egg-positive and 10 egg-negative, in Sancheong-gun, Korea, participated in this worm collection trial in 2006–2009. They were diagnosed by egg positivity in feces using the Kato-Katz method. After administration of praziquantel, they were purged with cathartics on the next day, and then discharged adult worms were collected from their feces. Their EPGs ranged from 0 to 65,544. Adult worms of C. sinensis were collected from 17 egg-positive cases, and the number of worms ranged from 1 to 114 in each individual. A positive correlation between EPGs and numbers of worms was demonstrated (r = 0.681, P<0.001). Worm recovery rates were 9.7% in cases of EPGs 1–1,000 and 73.7% in those of EPGs over 1,000. No worms were detected from egg-negative subjects. Maximum egg count per worm per day was roughly estimated 3,770 in a subject with EPGs 2,664 and 106 collected worms.

Conclusions

The numbers of the worms are significantly correlated with the egg counts in human clonorchiasis. It is estimated that at least 110 worms are infected in a human body with EPGs around 3,000, and egg productivity of a worm per day is around 4,000.