Diagnosis Of Intestinal Parasites Research Articles

Laboratory validation of the automated diagnosis of intestinal parasites via fecal sample processing for the recovery of intestinal parasites through the dissolved air flotation technique

BackgroundTechniques for diagnosing intestinal parasites need technological advancements in the preanalytical (collection/processing) and analytical (detection) stages. The dissolved air flotation (DAF) technique effectively recovers parasites from processed feces for routine diagnosis. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a practical and affordable alternative to modernize the analysis stage of microscopy images and generates high efficiency in the parasitological examination of feces.MethodsThe objective of this study was to standardize a laboratory protocol for stool processing using the DAF technique in conjunction with an automated diagnosis of intestinal parasites (DAPI) system. A total of 400 samples were obtained to perform the tests with the use of DAF to verify the recovery of the parasites as a function of the chemical reagent (polymer and surfactant), the volume of the flotation tube, and standardization of smear assembly on a microscopy slide, with automated analysis by DAPI. The DAF protocol that obtained the most satisfactory results in terms of parasite recovery (P < 0.05) and slide positivity was compared with the Three Fecal Test (TF-Test) protocol with manual (microscopists) and automated (DAPI) evaluation. We compared the sensitivity with the modified TF-Test technical protocol and the diagnostic agreement with the gold standard (Kappa) result.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the parasite recovery between the 10 ml and 50 ml tubes (P > 0.05). The surfactants showed a range of parasite recoveries between 41.9% and 91.2% in the float supernatant. We obtained a maximum positivity of 73% of the assembled slides when we applied DAF processing with 7% CTAB surfactant and 57% positivity with the modified TF-Test technique. Regarding diagnostic performance, the TF-Test-modified and DAF techniques used in fecal processing for subsequent computerized analysis by AI presented sensitivities of 86% and 94%, with kappa agreements of 0.62 and 0.80 (substantial), respectively.ConclusionsThe DAF protocol defined in this study and the DAPI system are innovative processes for parasite recovery and fecal debris elimination that are favorable for effectively detecting pathogenic structures in laboratory diagnosis.Graphical

Morphoidentification of intestinal nematodes in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) from Cajamarca City, Peru

The research objective was to identify helminths in guinea pigs from processing centers in the city of Cajamarca, determining the frequency, morphometric characteristics, parasite gender, and location. The diagnosis of intestinal parasites was made by examining and opening the postmortem gastrointestinal tract and the morphometric characteristics were determined using a millimetric ruler, micrometric eyepiece, microscope, and stereoscope. At the end of the investigation, a frequency of 76% of nematodes was found, which according to morphometry correspond to Paraspidodera uncinata (74%), Capillaria spp. (18%), and Trichuris spp. (14%); according to location 18% were found in the small intestine (Capillaria spp. 18%), 72% in the cecum (58% correspond only to P. uncinata, 3% to Trichuris spp. and 11% to a mixed infection between both) and 23% in the colon (P. uncinata); no parasites were found in liver or stomach. Nematodes in guinea pigs from Cajamarca is high, with a greater presence of P. uncinata, located in the cecum and colon.

A supervised U-Net based color image semantic segmentation for detection & classification of human intestinal parasites

Intestinal parasites are among the main public health problems around the world especially in underprivileged communities where overcrowded, poor environmental sanitation and lack of access for clear and safe water are prevalent. Currently, approximately 4 billion people are infected by intestinal parasites worldwide. Diseases caused by such infections can induce physical and mental disorders, and even death to children and immunodeficient individuals. Microscopy remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of human intestinal parasites. However, that manual approach requiring well-trained and experienced parasitologists is time consuming, tedious and subjective. To cope with this, machine learning tools are increasingly used to assist the medical profession in the diagnosis of intestinal parasites. Deep learning models are currently the best machine learning tools. In our work, we built a data set of 320 microscopic color images in which we detect 4 types of intestinal parasites: Ascaris Lumbricoides, Schistosoma mansoni, Trichuris Trichiura and Oxyure (or Enterobius vermicularis). Inspired by the structure of the U-Net, a deep learning model is developed for segmentation of the 4 types of intestinal parasites from the background (including fecal impurities) of the image. The proposed model has proven to be robust to underfiting and overfiting. The results show an overall detection performance of 99.8% accuracy.

Automated parasitological diagnosis in clinical microbiology laboratories

Although there is a low prevalence of parasitological infections in Europe, the diagnosis of intestinal parasites is still difficult and laborious for microbiology laboratories. Currently, antigen detection assays and molecular biology allow a more accurate diagnosis, but these techniques have limitations as they cannot detect all the possible parasites present in the samples. The objective of the study was to evaluate the accuracy and the usefulness of automated microscopy SediMAX2 (77 Elektronika, Budapest, Hungary) in the detection of parasitic infections from feces. A total of 197 formol-fixed stool samples were processed in parallel by wet mount examination and by SediMAX2. Sensitivities, specificities and predictive values were analyzed, reaching a sensitivity of 89.51% and a specificity of 98.15% and a very good positive predictive value (99.22%). SediMAX2 is a good tool for a reliable diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections. The rapid processing and the flexibilty of storage of images analyzed make its incorporation into the day to day laboratory routine recommendable.

A Review of the Importance of Stool Test in the Diagnosis of Intestinal Parasites

Objectives: Stool test is a test used to diagnose an infection or intestinal parasitic infection. Gastrointestinal infections occur for a variety of reasons, so this test is valuable along with other complementary tests. Common gastrointestinal infections are commonly reported as food poisoning or stomach infections. However, diagnostic tests are useful for treating and removing the source of the disease. Methods: This study was reviewed by using a search of keywords including, "stool test" , "Diagnosis ", "Intestinal Parasites", in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Elsevier databases. Approximately 15 articles were selected that were examined thoroughly. Results: The results of our study revealed that the direct microscopic method is more widely used in medical diagnostic laboratories due to its time saving and simplicity of testing. Conclusion: Stool tests are recommended for people with symptoms of a gastrointestinal infection. These symptoms include: Prolonged diarrhea, abdominal pain (cramping), nausea and vomiting, Stools with blood and mucus. However, diagnostic tests are useful for treating and removing the source of the disease.

Dog overpopulation and diagnosis of intestinal parasites on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos 2016

Dog overpopulation and diseases are hazards to native island species and humans on the Galapagos. The main objective of the study reported here was to estimate the observed human:dog ratio on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos in September 2016. In addition, dog demographic data were used to model the expected annual dog population growth in the next 10 years. A secondary objective was to measure the burden of dogs infected with intestinal parasites. The observed human:dog ratio was 964:202 (or 4.77:1), which extrapolates to 3290 dogs; an increase of 31% in the dog population on Santa Cruz from 2014 to 2016. Study results show that current spay-neuter efforts (about 300 dogs per year; 60% females, 40% males) are not enough to keep the population stable (i.e., current baseline of 3290 dogs). The frequency of dogs infected with Ancylostoma spp., an intestinal parasite in dogs that can cause cutaneous larval migrans in humans, was 18/44 or 41% (95% CI = 27%, 55%). These results provide the most complete assessment of the dog overpopulation on the Galapagos to date.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN ATTENDING DAYCARE CENTERS IN ALFENAS, SOUTHERN MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL

Intestinal parasitic infections are common among pre-school children in developing countries and they are often associated with gastrointestinal morbidity such as chronic diarrhea and malnutrition. Their circulation is mainly associated with lack of personal hygiene and environmental sanitation, as well as limited housing and food conditions. As the diagnosis of intestinal parasites is not a simple procedure, especially in population studies, due to difficultiesencountered in strategies to obtain fecal samples, reliable prevalence data are scarce. Indeed, the epidemiological data on the prevalence of these parasites in different locations are important for the development of appropriate control measures. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infection in children attending three public municipal daycare centers in Alfenas, MG. Three fecal samples from each childwere collected on alternate days and processed by the spontaneous sedimentation technique and also through the commercially available centrifugal concentration technique, known as the TF-Test® (TFT). Information on the biological, social and physical environment, in which the children lived, were obtained through the application of a socio-epidemiological questionnaireto the parents or guardians and daycare staff. Giardia duodenalis was the parasite species most frequently detected among the children, with a positive rate of 27.8% (77/277). Entamoeba coli was detected in one of the daycare centers studied, with positivity rate of 43.7%, (7/16); and helminth infection in only two children. The present study showed that children of municipaldaycare centers in Alfenas could be at risk of infection by intestinal parasites.

Pattern of intestinal parasites among hospital patients at Tripoli Central Hospital, Libya

Background and Aim: Diagnosis of intestinal parasites is confirmed by the recovery of protozoan trophozoites and cysts, helminthes eggs, and larvae in stool samples in the clinical parasitological laboratory. In this study, we look at the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in outpatient department and hospitalized patients from different age groups in Tripoli Central Hospital obtained from 2007 to 2009. Materials and Methods: We have used the traditional microscopic technique to diagnose IPIs in all received stool samples during the study period. Results: In total, 18,000 stool samples were examined and it was found that 15.7% of them had at least one parasite. The overall prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites was as follows: Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar 5.1%, Entamoeba coli 10%, Giardia lamblia 8.1%, and Cryptosporidium parvum 1%, while the prevalence of intestinal helminthic parasites in this study was as follows: Enterobius vermicularis 5%, Ascaris lumbricoides 0.5%, and Strongyloides stercoralis 0.01%. Other species of intestinal helminthes are not widely prevalent in Libya. We have found a high prevalence of intestinal parasites, especially the intestinal protozoan parasites. The nonpathogenic protozoan, E. coli, had the highest prevalence rate (10.0%). Conclusion: We conducted the stool sample testing by routine ova and parasite methods, and a concentration technique increases the validity of the estimates.

Risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy

Background: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) improves immunity and reduces the occurrence of enteroparasitic infections. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infection among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients on HAART in Kogi State, Nigeria. Methods: Blood and stool specimens were collected from 511 subjects including 411 HIV patients on HAART and 100 apparently healthy non-HIV individuals. The blood specimens were used to determine CD4 count and haemoglobin concentration, whereas the stool specimens were processed to detect intestinal parasites using standard techniques. Socio-demographic data were obtained with the aid of a questionnaire. Results: Entamoeba histolytica was the predominant parasites recovered generally and in both genders as well as being the only parasite that was associated with immunodeficiency as measured by CD4 count Conclusion: An overall prevalence of 14.4% of intestinal parasitic infections was observed among HIV patients on HAART in this study. Routine diagnosis of intestinal parasites among HIV patients on HAART is advocated.

Diagnosis of intestinal parasites in a rural community of Venezuela: Advantages and disadvantages of using microscopy or RT-PCR

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and diagnostic performance of microscopy and real time PCR (RT-PCR) for 14 intestinal parasites in a Venezuelan rural community with a long history of persistent intestinal parasitic infections despite the implementation of regular anthelminthic treatments. A total of 228 participants were included in this study. A multiplex RT-PCR was used for the detection of Dientamoeba fragilis, Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium sp. and a monoplex RT-PCR for Entamoeba histolytica. Furthermore, a multiplex PCR was performed for detection of Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale. Combined microscopy-PCR revealed prevalences of 49.3% for A. lumbricoides, 10.1% for N. americanus (no A. duodenale was detected), 2.0% for S. stercoralis, 40.4% for D. fragilis, 35.1% for G. intestinalis, and 7.9% for E. histolytica/dispar. Significant increases in prevalence at PCR vs. microscopy were found for A. lumbricoides, G. intestinalis and D. fragilis. Other parasites detected by microscopy alone were Trichuris trichiura (25.7%), Enterobius vermicularis (3.4%), Blastocystis sp. (65.8%), and the non-pathogenic Entamoeba coli (28.9%), Entamoeba hartmanni (12.3%), Endolimax nana (19.7%) and Iodamoeba bütschlii (7.5%). Age- but no gender-related differences in prevalences were found for A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, G. intestinalis, and E. histolytica/dispar. The persistently high prevalences of intestinal helminths are probably related to the high faecal pollution as also evidenced by the high prevalences of non-pathogenic intestinal protozoans. These results highlight the importance of using sensitive diagnostic techniques in combination with microscopy to better estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites, especially in the case of D. fragilis trophozoites, which deteriorate very rapidly and would be missed by microscopy. In addition, the differentiation between the pathogenic E. histolytica and the non-pathogenic E. dispar can be attained. However, microscopy remains an important diagnostic tool since it can detect other intestinal parasites for which no PCR is available.

Simultaneous detection and differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica, E. dispar, E. moshkovskii, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium spp. in human fecal samples using multiplex PCR and qPCR-MCA

Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium spp. are common causes of diarrheal and intestinal diseases all over the world. Microscopic methods are useful in the diagnosis of intestinal parasites (IPs), but their sensitivity was assessed approximately 60 percent. Recently, molecular techniques have been used increasingly for the identification and characterization of the parasites. Among those, in this study we have used multiplex PCR and Real-time PCR with melting curve analysis (qPCR-MCA) for simultaneous detection and differentiation of E. histolytica, E. dispar, E. moshkovskii, G. lamblia and Cryptosporidium spp. in human fecal samples. Twenty DNA samples from 12 E. histolytica and 8 E. dispar samples and twenty stool samples confirmed positive for G. lamblia and Cryptosporidium spp. were analyzed. After DNA extraction from the samples, multiplex PCR was done for detection and differentiation of above mentioned parasites. QPCR-MCA was also performed for the detection and differentiation of 11 isolates of above mentioned parasite in a cycle with a time and temperature. Multiplex PCR was able to simultaneous detect and differentiate of above mentioned parasite in a single reaction. QPCR-MCA was able to differentiate genus and species those five protozoa using melting temperature simultaneously at the same time and temperature programs. In total, qPCR-MCA diagnosed 7/11 isolation of E. histolytica, 6/8 isolation of E. dispar, 1/1 E. moshkovskii Laredo, 10/11 G. Lamblia and 6/11 Cryptosporidium spp. Application of multiplex PCR for detection of more than one species in a test in developing countries, at least in reference laboratories has accurate diagnosis and plays a critical role in differentiation of protozoan species. Multiplex PCR assay with a template and multi template had different results and it seems that using a set of primers with one template has higher diagnostic capability in compare with multi template. The results of this study showed that the use of the qPCR-MCA can be an effective method to simultaneous distinguish of the above mentioned parasites.

Evaluation of the accuracy of parasitological techniques for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites in cats

The accuracy of the parasitological techniques of Willis, Hoffman-Pons-Janer or Lutz (HPLJ), Sheather and Faust was evaluated in fecal samples from stray cats caught by the Zoonosis Control Center in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. These four techniques were applied separately to analyze 154 fecal samples, and their accuracy was analyzed based on an evaluation of their sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and Kappa index, resulting in the selection of the Willis technique as the nominal gold standard. Of the 154 samples, 115 (74.68%) tested positive for intestinal parasites. The analysis of the frequency of positivity indicated that the HPLJ technique detected 86.1% of the positive samples and was the closest to the gold standard. The analysis of the accuracy of the techniques was evaluated using the most prevalent parasites. The Sheather technique showed the highest accuracy in the detection of Ancylostomatidae, while the Sheather and HPLJ techniques showed similar accuracies in the detection of Cystoisospora spp. when compared to the gold standard. Lastly, the Faust technique showed the highest accuracy in the detection of Toxoplasma gondii when compared to the gold standard. This study underscores the importance of combining parasitological techniques in the diagnosis of intestinal parasites in cats.

Intestinal parasites in children hospitalized at the Central Hospital in Maputo, Mozambique.

Intestinal parasites are important contributors to the global disease burden, especially in children of low-income countries. The present study determined the frequency of intestinal parasites in children hospitalized at the diarrhea section of the Infectious-Contagious Diseases ward and at the Malnutrition ward of the Department of Pediatrics of the Maputo Central Hospital in Mozambique. This pilot study conducted between February and March 2009 enrolled a total of 93 children between 1.5 and 48.2 months of age; 87.1% were younger than 24 months. Parasite detection in stool samples was achieved using direct microscopic observation and Ritchie's concentration technique. Infection with pathogenic intestinal parasites was detected in 16.1% (15/93) of the children. Giardia duodenalis and Trichuris trichiura were the most common parasites (6.5%, 6/93 each), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (2.2%, 2/93). One case of mixed infection with A. lumbricoides plus T. trichiura was also detected. This study reinforces the importance of routinely examining stool samples for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites (including protozoa) in children hospitalized in endemic areas.

The awareness of health professionals in diagnostic techniques for intestinal parasites in Gaza strip, Palestine

Background:Diagnosis of intestinal parasites still depends on conventional methods in Gaza strip hospitals and private laboratories.Aim:This study aimed to evaluate the opinion and the practice of physicians and medical laboratories technologists towards the diagnosis of intestinal parasites in Gaza strip.Subjects and Methods:The study was carried out during the period from August 2006 to December 2006. All the subjects during this period were eligible for the interview. The sample size included 371 individuals out of them 270 physicians and 101 medical laboratory technologists (MLTs). Simple random sampling was used to select the physicians and MLTs from eight hospitals and eleven primary health-care centers.Results:It was found that (57.8%) 156/270 of physicians depend on the direct smear microscopy in the diagnosis of intestinal parasites in Gaza, compared to (31.7% (32/101) of MLT. Knowledge about the possible correlation of occult blood with reasons other than the presence of intestinal parasites was evident among both physicians and MLTs, reaching over 80% (P = 0.08). It was found that (54.4%, 147/270) of physicians and (73.3%. 74/101) of MLTs depend on wet mount result for of Entamoeba histolytica diagnosis (P = 0.01).Conclusion:Low awareness was found among both physicians and MLT regarding the diagnostic techniques used in the examination of intestinal parasites in Gaza Strip. Prescription of medicine by physicians sometimes depends on the clinical picture without laboratory confirmation. Advanced techniques were less used in the diagnosis of intestinal parasites in Gaza strip.

MOLECULAR TYPING OF Giardia duodenalis ISOLATES FROM NONHUMAN PRIMATES HOUSED IN A BRAZILIAN ZOO

Giardia infections in captive nonhuman primates (NHP) housed at a Brazilian zoo were investigated in order to address their zoonotic potential. Fresh fecal samples were collected from the floors of 22 enclosures where 47 primates of 18 different species were housed. The diagnosis of intestinal parasites after concentration by sedimentation and flotation methods revealed the following parasites and their frequencies: Giardia (18%); Entamoeba spp. (18%); Endolimax nana (4.5%); Iodamoeba spp. (4.5%); Oxyurid (4.5%) and Strongylid (4.5%). Genomic DNA extracted from all samples was processed by PCR methods in order to amplify fragments of gdh and tpi genes of Giardia. Amplicons were obtained from samples of Ateles belzebuth, Alouatta caraya, Alouatta fusca and Alouatta seniculus. Clear sequences were only obtained for the isolates from Ateles belzebuth (BA1), Alouatta fusca (BA2) and Alouatta caraya (BA3). According to the phenetic analyses of these sequences, all were classified as assemblage A. For the tpi gene, all three isolates were grouped into sub-assemblage AII (BA1, BA2 and BA3) whereas for the gdh gene, only BA3 was sub-assemblage AII, and the BA1 and BA2 were sub-assemblage AI. Considering the zoonotic potential of the assemblage A, and that the animals of the present study show no clinical signs of infection, the data obtained here stresses that regular coproparasitological surveys are necessary to implement preventive measures and safeguard the health of the captive animals, of their caretakers and of people visiting the zoological gardens.

DETECTION OF GIARDIA LAMBLIA, CRYPTOSPORIDIUM SPP. AND ENTAMOEBA HISTOLYTICA IN CLINICAL STOOL SAMPLES BY USING MULTIPLEX REAL-TIME PCR AFTER AUTOMATED DNA ISOLATION

Diagnosis of intestinal parasites in stool samples is generally still carried out by microscopy; however, this technique is known to suffer from a low sensitivity and is unable to discriminate between certain protozoa. In order to overcome these limitations, a real-time multiplex PCR was evaluated as an alternative approach for diagnosing Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium spp. and Entamoeba histolytica in stool samples. Therefore, a total of 631 faecal samples were analysed both by microscopy as well as by real-time PCR following automated DNA extraction. Results showed that real-time PCR exhibited sensitivity and specificity of both 100%, whereas traditional microscopy exhibited sensitivity and specificity of 37.5% and 99.8% respectively.As real-time PCR provides simple, sensitive and specific detection of these three important pathogenic protozoan parasites, this technique, rather than microscopy, has become our diagnostic method of choice for the detection of enteric protozoan parasites for the majority of patients.

Comparison of Individual Differences in the Direct Microscopic Examination in the Diagnosis of Intestinal Parasites

The aim is to emphasise the importance for intestinal parasites' diagnosis by direct microscopic examination and the discrepancies among results from different microscopists. Stool specimens were obtained from 225 children with diarrhoea after the macroscopic examination, prepared by formalineether sedimentation methods and included in microscopically examination by three different independent investigators (parasitologist, microbiologist, research assistant). Furthermore, specimens were stained with the modified Ehrlich Ziehl Neelsen method and evaluated for Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora. A total 161 specimens were evaluated as negative by all investigators. The number of specimens containing parasites detected by at least one investigator was 64; Cryptosporidium parvum 30, Blastocytis hominis 16, Endolimax nana 5, Giardia intestinalis 4, Dientamoeba fragilis 3, Ascaris lumbricoides 3, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 2, Cyclospora cayetanensis 1. The concordance among investigators was observed for 21 (33%) specimens; when specimens were evaluated for the presence of leukocytes and/or parasites, concordance was detected for 58 (91%) of the 64 specimens. In particular, significant differences were observed for the species level identification. Different results can be obtained by microscopic examination according to the experience and educational level of microscopists. Therefore, we think that these tests should be performed by persons who have sufficient education and experience, if possible, combined with at least two different methods.

Modified technique for collecting and processing fecal material for diagnosing intestinal parasites in swine

Intestinal parasites of swine are still present under conditions of modern swine management and can have a significant impact on growth rate and feed efficiency. Diagnosis of intestinal parasites can be accomplished by demonstrating adult parasites in feces or at necropsy, and by demonstrating eggs in feces. This article details a protocol for sampling fecal material to diagnose intestinal parasites in swine populations.

Evaluación del equipo FE-5 vs. técnica de Ritchie con muestras fecales de manipuladores de alimentos en cinco ciudades del país

El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar la efectividad del equipo Diasys FE-5, instrumento que sirve como nueva técnica de concentración de parásitos intestinales, que facilita la preparación, centrifugación, concentración y montaje de las muestras para su lectura. Está compuesto de un sistema de Mini Parasep que optimiza la recuperación y concentración de quistes, huevos y larvas en comparación con la técnica tradicional de Ritchie modificada (formol – éter). Se examinaron 764 muestras de materia fecal, procedentes de manipuladores de alimentos de cinco ciudades del país.Las muestras fueron simultáneamente procesadas y analizadas mediante la técnica de Ritchie y el equipo Diasys FE-5. Las dos técnicas permitieron el hallazgo parasitológico de protozoos y helmintos, con una concordancia de índice de kappa de 0.90, aspecto que permite confirmar que el equipo Diasys FE-5 es una herramienta útil y segura en el laboratorio para el diagnóstico de parasitismo intestinal, obteniendo como beneficios la disminución de costos, reactivos, tiempo, y lo más importante, bioseguridad para el profesional y mejoramiento del diagnóstico parasitológico.

Feconomics®: A Simple, Novel and Fast Technique for Stool Concentration in Parasitology Laboratory

Summary Feconomics® is a new ready-to-use kit for fecal concentration that eliminates the need for centrifugation and floatation by using absorbent beads. To assess its efficacy in the diagnosis of intestinal parasites, a comparative, double-blind study was conducted in the Parasitology Laboratory of Celal Bayar University Medical School. Stools (Group I, n=251) submitted for routine ova and parasite examination were concentrated with both routine formalin ethyl acetate concentration (FEAC) technique and Feconomics®. Since the number of helminthes identified in the stool samples of patients were very low, helminthes obtained from the animal models in the laboratory were included (Group II, n=11). The iodine-stained samples of all stools and some of the positive samples stained with Gomori’s trichrome and Kinyoun’s acid fast stain were read by specialists. In Group I, 103 of 251 (41.04%) samples were found to be positive for one or more intestinal parasites; among them, 76 (30.28%) and 96 (38.25%) stools were found to be positive with FEAC and Feconomics®, respectively, and the difference was significant (P=0.000). Same parasites were identified with both methods among all 11 samples in Group II. There was no difference between the methods for the morphological integrity and visual appearances of the parasites having cyst or egg forms; yet, it was noticed that the vegetative forms of the parasites were only identified with Feconomics®. Review of our data indicated that Feconomics® may be suggested as a fast and effective fecal concentration method for Parasitology laboratories owing to the identification of higher number of parasites compared to FEAC, and parasites with only vegetative forms such as Dientamoeba fragilis.