Ability of Vital and Fluorescent Staining in the Differentiation of Schistosoma haematobium Live and Dead Eggs.

Forson Forson,Okine Okine,Afutu Afutu,Ahenkorah Ahenkorah,Ayeh-Kumi Ayeh-Kumi,Aryee Aryee,Tetteh-Quarcoo Tetteh-Quarcoo,Djameh Djameh,Agyapong Agyapong,Anang Anang

doi:10.3390/medsci7040064

Abstract

This study reports (for the first time) the staining ability of vital (0.4% trypan blue and 1% neutral red) and fluorescent (Hoechst 33258) dyes to differentiate between live and dead Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) eggs in human urine samples. Since S. haematobium egg is important in disease pathology, diagnosis, transmission, and drug development research, it is essential to be able to easily distinguish live eggs from dead ones. Staining is considered a way of enhancing the identification of live and dead eggs. Urine samples from school children were examined for the presence of S. haematobium eggs. Vital and fluorescent dyes were used to stain the samples that contained S. haematobium eggs, after which they were observed using light and fluorescent microscopes, respectively. The Hoechst 33258 provided a good staining outcome for differentiation between live and dead eggs, followed by 0.4% Trypan blue. Regarding the 1% neutral red stain, even though it provided some evidence of which egg was alive or dead, the distinction was not very clear; therefore, it could be useful when used in combination with other stains for egg viability determination. The benefits of this study will include assessing the effect of drugs on S. haematobium eggs in Schistosomiasis research.

Highlights

Schistosomiasis remains an important disease of public health concern, with over 200 million cases reported each year [1]
This study reports the staining ability of vital (0.4% trypan blue and 1% neutral red) and fluorescent (Hoechst 33258) stains to differentiate between live and dead S. haematobium eggs in human urine samples collected from infected children
This study reports the staining ability of vital (0.4% trypan blue and 1% neutral red) and fluorescent (Hoechst 33258) stains to differentiate between live and dead S. haematobium eggs isolated from human urine samples and collected from infected children

Summary

Introduction

Schistosomiasis remains an important disease of public health concern, with over 200 million cases reported each year [1]. About 85% of the reported annual cases occur in sub-Saharan Africa, and over 150,000 deaths are attributable to chronic infection with Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) in this region [2,3]. Schistosoma haematobium is the main species involved in urinary schistosomiasis, where eggs are laid by the adult worm living in the venous plexus of the. 2019, 7, 64 bladder [4]. Haematuria is a very common sign of infection, but proteinuria dysuria, and pollakisuria are among other notable signs [5]. Kidney failure due to urinary tract scarring and deformity of the ureters and bladder have been associated with S. haematobium infection [5,6]

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