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Fig. 4 | Parasites & Vectors

Fig. 4

From: DNA-based quantification and counting of transmission stages provides different but complementary parasite load estimates: an example from rodent coccidia (Eimeria)

Fig. 4

Host health is better explained by Eimeria DNA intensity than oocyst counts in faeces. Linear models for weight loss of 22 individuals over 10 dpi with Eimeria. Model A (n = 22): maximum weight loss predicted as interactions between genome copies per gram of faeces (a) and oocysts per gram of faeces (b), with each predictor plotted separately. Model B (n = 235): weight loss predicted as interactions between genome copies per gram of faeces (c) and oocysts per gram of faeces (d) using an individual and time (dpi) demeaned dataset, with each predictor plotted separately. Coloured circles represent the actual data, with the colours of the circles representing the day of maximum genome copies per gram of faeces (a), the day of maximum oocysts per gram of faeces (b) or the day of measurement (c, d). The white circles represent the predicted values. Transparency of the coloured points increases with proximity between measured and predicted points (smaller residuals). DNA intensity was found to be a stronger predictor of weight loss than OPG (Table 1), and the effect can be visualized as smaller residuals in a and c compared to b and d

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