Abstract

A technique to recovery T. canis eggs from soil samples described in Hannover, Germany, was adapted to local conditions in Valdivia, Chile, and it was necessary to test its efficiency. 160 «Trumao type» soil samples of 25 g were prepared adding 354.4 ± 61 eggs ofT. canis contained in 0.1 ml of a water suspension. In the adaptation process of the technique, it was prove three variables making 20 repetitions of the following combinations: a) detergent added: acid anionic (pH 4.6), or basic anionic (pH 11.5). b) Flotation solution used: sugar solution (density: 1.25), or saturated zinc sulphate (density: 1.38). c) with or without mechanical mixing of the samples previous to the flotation process. The best result, of an average of 50.9% (p < 0.05) of the recovered added T. canis eggs from 25g of «Trumao type» soil was obtained with the addition of acid anionic detergent to the samples, the use of a saturated zinc sulphate solution for the flotation of the eggs and mixing the samples before each flotation process. © 2007 Sociedad Chilena de Parasitología. Organo Oficial de la Federación Latinoamericana de Parasitólogos.