Formalin-ethyl Acetate Concentration Method Research Articles

Performance of Mini Parasep® SF stool concentrator kit, Kato-Katz, and formalin-ethyl acetate concentration methods for diagnosis of opisthorchiasis in Northeast Thailand

BackgroundControl and elimination of the liver fluke (Opisthorchis viverrini) is a primary preventive strategy against cholangiocarcinoma in Southeast Asia. A sensitive parasitological diagnostic method is required to facilitate a surveillance and control program. In this study, we evaluated the performance of Mini Parasep® SF stool concentrator kit (stool kit) compared with Kato-Katz (KK) and the quantitative formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT) for detection of O. viverrini and co-endemic parasitic infections.MethodsA cross-sectional survey for parasitic infection in residents aged > 15 years in a community in Kalasin province, Northeast Thailand, was conducted in 2018. Fecal samples were collected and screened by KK method, and a subset of samples was further examined by the stool kit and FECT methods. The results were analyzed for prevalence of parasitic infections in addition to the diagnostic performance of the methods for qualitative and quantitative detection of helminthiases.ResultsThe initial survey of parasitic infection determined by the KK method (n = 567) showed the prevalence of O. viverrini was 32.63%, followed by Taenia 2.65%, echinostomes 1.76%, hookworms 1.41%, Trichuris trichiura 0.53% and Strongyloides stercoralis 0.53%. Within a subset of samples tested with multiple diagnostics (n = 150), the detection rates of O. viverrini by the stool kit, FECT and KK methods were 27.3%, 30.7% and 28.7%, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity for opisthorchiasis was similar for FECT (75.5%), KK(66.0%) and the stool kit (67.3%). For other parasitic infections, FECT and stool kit methods performed better than KK, particularly in detecting minute intestinal flukes (MIF), S. stercoralis and coinfections. When measuring the intensity of O. viverrini infection (fecal egg counts), the stool kit results showed a significant positive correlation with KK and FECT (P < 0.05).ConclusionsAs the stool kit is simple to use and shows a comparable performance to FECT, it may serve as an alternative method of fecal examination for screening of helminthiasis including opisthorchiasis.Graphical abstract

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle in Kalasin Province, Thailand.

Background and Aim:Parasitic infections are one of the major problems to the production of cattle in Thailand. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites of cattle in Kalasin Province, Thailand.Materials and Methods:A total of 333 fecal samples of cattle were collected directly from the rectum. The fecal samples were subjected to formalin-ethyl acetate concentration methods for examination. The eggs or oocysts were identified based on the morphology and size of the eggs or oocysts.Results:Out of 333 fecal samples examined, 320 were found positive for GI parasitic infections with a prevalence of 96.09%. Overall, among the prevalence of nematodes, trematodes, and protozoa, the most prevalent parasites were Strongyle-type 278 (84.24%), followed by Strongyloides spp. 54 (16.36%) and Trichuris spp. 75 (22.73%), while Protozoan oocyst recorded Eimeria spp. amounted to 131 (39.7%). Fasciola spp. and Paramphistomum spp. were 67 (20.30%) and 81 (24.55%), respectively. Most of the positive fecal samples were infected with the double infection which has the highest prevalence rate of about 40.24%, followed by single, three, and 4-5 types of parasites 30.63, 16.82, and 7.21%, respectively.Conclusion:This study suggests that Kalasin Province is highly endemic for GI parasites and this area may be an important source for an outbreak. Therefore, every household should deworm its cattle and eliminate and control snails as intermediate hosts. Findings from this study provide information that will assist in improving the cattle in Kalasin Province for better production and higher profitability.

Real-Time-PCR Assay Based on Phosphoglycerate Kinase Gene for Detection of Entamoeba histolytica Trophozoites in Stool Samples in Holy Karbala, Iraq

Amebiasis is an important cause of diarrheal disease worldwide and has been associated with childhoodmalnutrition. E.histolytica diagnosed usually by microscope, which consider as traditional diagnosis andare neither sensitive nor specific detection of Entamoeba histolytica(1). Real-time PCR assay developed forsensitive and specific detection of the intestinal Protozoan parasites Entamoeba histolytica directly fromhuman feces(2). The RT-PCR assay was able to detect as little as 0.1 parasite per g of feces(3). The currentstudy based on Phosphoglycerate kinase gene (PGK) is a major enzyme used in glycolysis, in the first ATPgenerating step of the glycolytic pathway so the PGK is an enzyme that catalyzes the reversible transfer ofa phosphate group from 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate (1,3-BPG) to ADP producing 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PG)and ATP(4). In our study, depend on PGK as target for Real time PCR assay for detection the trophozoitestage of E.histolytica in stool samples of infected persons.In the current study, a total of 300 human fecal samples were collected from children (less than one year-15year) that suspected to infection with amoebiasis which admitted to hospitals and primary care centers in thecity center, Al-Hindiya district and Nahiat Al -Hurr (100 samples from each region) during the period fromFebruary 2019 to January 2020. Fecal samples processed by direct wet smear and formalin ethyl acetateconcentration method followed by iodine staining and was microscopically examined for E.histolytica.Microscopically positive samples were then subject to Real-time PCR. This is the first study in Iraq using thePhosphoglyceratekinase gene as target for molecular techniques to determine the presence of E. histolyticatrophozoites.in stool samples.

Distribution and molecular analysis of Blastocystis subtypes from gastrointestinal symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in Iran.

Blastocystis is a common intestinal parasite of human and animal hosts. The parasite has 17 subtypes, and among those at least nine subtypes (ST1-ST9) are found in human hosts. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of different subtypes of Blastocystis spp. among the patients referred to Velayat hospital of Qazvin province, Iran. Overall, 864 stool samples were examined by using formalin-ethyl acetate concentration method and Trichrome staining. All specimens were cultured in clotted fetal bovine medium. Later, DNA extraction and PCR amplification of 18S ribosomal RNA gene region was conducted and phylogenetic tree constructed. The results revealed 7.9% (68/864) of the study population were infected with Blastocystis. Intestinal symptoms were observed in 61% (36/59) of individuals positive for Blastocystis, with abdominal pain in 58% (21/36) of cases which was more frequent than other intestinal signs. No significant relationship was observed among the study variables. By molecular and phylogenetic analysis, three subtypes ST1 (45%), ST2 (30%) and ST3 (23%) of parasite were identified. This study showed ST1 subtype was the predominant subtype among the positive specimens, meanwhile the highest haplotype and nucleotide diversity were clarified in ST3 subtype.

EVALUATION OF MIDI PARASEP® FAECAL PARASITE CONCENTRATOR FOR THE DETECTION OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Direct stool examination is the gold standard technique for diagnosing intestinal parasitic infection.Stool examination by stained smear, concentration techniques and sometimes culture are thecommonly used. The sensitivity of direct smear is low and requires repeated smears. Formalinethylacetate concentration method is more sensitive, but time consuming. Midi-Parasep® concentratoris a new diagnostic tool used as a routine stool examination for intestinal parasitic infectionsworldwide. There’s a lack of reports which evaluate the efficacy of Midi-Parasep® procedurein areas of limited diagnostic facilities and poor resource settings. Therefore, our currentstudy represents the first report that assessed the Midi-Parasep® technique by comparing its performanceto other economic standard measures like modified Ridley-Allen and formol detergentconcentration techniques for detection of intestinal parasites in human stool samples. We examined306 fecal samples using Midi-Parasep fecal parasite concentrator, modified Ridley-Allenconcentration and formol detergent concentration techniques. The best over-all sensitivity(71.7%) was obtained for Midi-Parasep technique followed by formol detergent concentration(66.7%) then modified Ridley-Allen technique (51.7%). Regarding, helminths parasites, the mostsensitive was formol detergent concentration technique (70%), followed by the Midi-Parasep technique (60%), and Modified Ridley-Allen technique (33.3%). Referring to the intestinal protozoa,midi-Parasep technique had the highest sensitivity (83.3%), followed by modified Ridley-Allen procedure (70%) then formol detergent concentration technique (63.3%).

EVALUATION OF MIDI PARASEP® FAECAL PARASITE CONCENTRATOR FOR THE DETECTION OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Direct stool examination is the gold standard technique for diagnosing intestinal parasitic infection.Stool examination by stained smear, concentration techniques and sometimes culture are thecommonly used. The sensitivity of direct smear is low and requires repeated smears. Formalinethylacetate concentration method is more sensitive, but time consuming. Midi-Parasep® concentratoris a new diagnostic tool used as a routine stool examination for intestinal parasitic infectionsworldwide. There’s a lack of reports which evaluate the efficacy of Midi-Parasep® procedurein areas of limited diagnostic facilities and poor resource settings. Therefore, our currentstudy represents the first report that assessed the Midi-Parasep® technique by comparing its performanceto other economic standard measures like modified Ridley-Allen and formol detergentconcentration techniques for detection of intestinal parasites in human stool samples. We examined306 fecal samples using Midi-Parasep fecal parasite concentrator, modified Ridley-Allenconcentration and formol detergent concentration techniques. The best over-all sensitivity(71.7%) was obtained for Midi-Parasep technique followed by formol detergent concentration(66.7%) then modified Ridley-Allen technique (51.7%). Regarding, helminths parasites, the mostsensitive was formol detergent concentration technique (70%), followed by the Midi-Parasep technique (60%), and Modified Ridley-Allen technique (33.3%). Referring to the intestinal protozoa,midi-Parasep technique had the highest sensitivity (83.3%), followed by modified Ridley-Allen procedure (70%) then formol detergent concentration technique (63.3%).

Molecular epidemiology of Blastocystis spp. in children referred to Qods hospital in northwest of Iran

Blastocystis sp. is a polymorphic intestinal parasite in humans and animals. The parasite has a worldwide distribution, especially in developing countries with poor sanitation, exposure to animals, and improper disposal systems. The aim of this study was to identify the subtypes of Blastocystis sp. among children of Qazvin, northwest Iran. Totally, 864 stool samples were collected from the children referred to Qods hospital in Qazvin, Iran. Fecal specimens were investigated by formalin-ethyl acetate concentration method and trichrome staining as well as cultivation of all samples in clotted fetal bovine medium. DNA extraction of culture-positive specimens and PCR amplification of 18S ribosomal RNA gene region was performed. The sequences detected were compared with reference genes in the GenBank, and the sequences further deposited in the GenBank database. Data analysis was performed by Chi square test while a p value of < 0.05 was considered as significant. Of 864 isolates, 4.1% (36/864) were positive for Blastocystis sp. with infection rate insignificantly higher among the females than males. The highest infection rate was estimated at 6.8% in 6-9years old age group with abdominal pain as the most common (33%) gastrointestinal sign. No statistically significant difference was found between the variables and Blastocystis infection. Molecular analysis clarified the presence of three subtypes of Blastocystis including ST1 (56%), ST2 (28%), and ST3 (16%) of among specimens with ST1 as the predominant subtype. A significant association between intestinal signs and the subtypes was not found. Considering ST1 as the predominant subtype, it seems that zoonotic transmission is a main route of human infections with Blastocystis sp. in the area studied.

Comparison of Nutrient Agar Plate Culture and Formalin-Ethyl Acetate Concentration Methods in Diagnosis of Human Trichostrongyliasis

Comparison of Nutrient Agar Plate Culture and Formalin-Ethyl Acetate Concentration Methods in Diagnosis of Human Trichostrongyliasis

Prevalence of Parasitic Intestinal Infections Among Food Handlers in Qazvin, İran

Food handlers play an important role in the production and distribution of parasitic contaminations in these societies. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the food handlers in Qazvin, Iran. Totally, 1530 stool samples were collected from food handlers in Qazvin, Iran. Direct feces examination and formalinethyl acetate concentration method followed by Trichrome staining were performed to detect the parasites. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 82 (5.4%) among food handlers. The species of protozoan parasites found were Blastocystis hominis, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba coli, and Endolimax nana. The outbreaks of Blastocystis hominis (2.9%), and Endolimax nana (0.3%) were the most and the least protozoan infections observed among the specimens, respectively. Also, there was no helminthic infection detected among the samples. The prevalence of intestinal parasites among the food handlers, based on variables including sex, age, job, and education, did not differ, whereas the prevalence of intestinal symptoms was shown to be higher in infected food handlers (p<0.05). Despite a decrease in the incidence of intestinal parasites, the protozoan infections are still among the health concerns in these areas. Therefore, continuous monitoring and training of food handlers by local health authorities should be performed on a regular basis.

Molecular characterization of Hymenolepis nana based on nuclear rDNA ITS2 gene marker.

Hymenolepis nana is a zoonotic tapeworm with widespread distribution. The goal of the present study was to identify the parasite in the specimens collected from NorthWestern regions of Iran using PCR-sequencing method. A total of 1521 stool samples were collected from the study individuals. Initially, the identification of hymenolepis nana was confirmed by parasitological method including direct wet-mount and formalin-ethyl acetate concentration methods. Afterward, PCR-sequencing analysis of ribosomal ITS2 fragment was targeted to investigate the molecular identification of the parasite. Overall, 0.65% (10/1521) of the isolates were contaminated with H. nana in formalin-ethyl acetate concentration. All ten isolates were succefully amplified by PCR and further sequenced. The determined sequences were deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers MH337810 -MH337819. Our results clarified the presence of H. nana among the patients in the study areas. In addition, the molecular technique could be accessible when the human eggs are the only sources available to identify and diagnose the parasite.

Assessment of sanitary conditions and prevalence of enteric parasitic infections among school children of Visakhapatnam

Background: Sanitation in schools is the significant factor that holds an important role in children’s health and their performance. Recent studies in southern India revealed that the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths was almost 7.8% varying from school to school. Objective: To assess the sanitary facilities in the government-aided schools and the prevalence of parasitic enteric infections in school children. Materials and Methods: A total of 2,250 stool samples were taken from the children of age group ranging 6–13 years and examined using the formalin–ethyl acetate concentration method. Result: Among the 2,250 children, a total of 288 children were infected with one or more enteric parasitic infections. There was predominance in single infection (204 cases) in relation to multiple infections (84 cases). Of the 204 single infection cases, 143 pupils were infected with protozoa infections and 61 pupils with helminths infections. The highest prevalent helminths was “hook worm” (0.6%) and protozoan “Blastocystis hominis”(2.5%). Conclusion: All the children are vulnerable to the risk of enteric parasitic infections. The reasons might be owing to improper sanitation facilities in schools, lack of awareness about enteric infections, and no provision for safe disposal fecal matter. First, a periodic treatment should be given to students once or twice a year. This intervention can reduce the morbidity of parasitic infections. Second, the provision of health and hygiene components such as promotion of handwashing and improved sanitation can reduce the prevalence of parasitic infections.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among schoolchildren in Phitsanulok Province, Northern Thailand

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children from six schools located in Bang Rakam and Mueang Districts, Phitsanulok Province, Northern Thailand. MethodsThe study sites were the following six schools: Wat Krab Phuang, Wat Wang Ped, Wat Tha Ko, Wat Sao Hin, Wat Kung Waree and Wat Sakat Namman. Fecal samples were collected from 352 students in the age range 7-15 years old, and examined for intestinal parasites by formalin-ethyl acetate concentration method. Additionally, Scotch tape technique was used to recover Enterobius vermicularis eggs from 576 children. ResultIt was found that the overall prevalence of intestinal parasites among 352 examined students was 5.4%: Strongyloides stercoralis (2.5%), Entamoeba coli (E. coli) (0.6%), Giardia lamblia (0.6%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.6%), hookworm (0.3%), hookworm and E. coli (0.3%), hookworm and Trichuris trichiura (0.3%) and Strongyloides stercoralis and E. coli (0.3%). The overall prevalence of enterobiasis among 576 schoolchildren by Scotch tape technique was 14.1%. The highest infection rate (19.3%) was observed at Wat Sao Hin School. The selective anthelminthic drugs were administered to all positive cases. ConclusionsIn this study, low prevalence of parasitic infections was demonstrated among schoolchildren in Phitsanulok Province. However, the control and prevention including the transmission of parasites detected should be explained for more concern and attention and the proper hygienic health education should be implemented.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Rural Communities, Northeast Thailand

Despite the existence of effective anthelmintics, parasitic infections remain a major public health problem in Southeast Asia, including Thailand. In rural communities, continuing infection is often reinforced by dietary habits that have a strong cultural basis and by poor personal hygiene and sanitation. This study presents a survey of the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the people in rural Thailand. The community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in villages in Khon Kaen Province, northeastern Thailand, from March to August 2013. A total of 253 stool samples from 102 males and 140 females, aged 2-80 years, were prepared using formalin-ethyl acetate concentration methods and examined using light microscopy. Ninety-four individuals (37.2%) were infected with 1 or more parasite species. Presence of parasitic infection was significantly correlated with gender (P=0.001); nearly half of males in this survey (49.0%) were infected. Older people had a higher prevalence than younger members of the population. The most common parasite found was Opisthorchis viverrini (26.9%), followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (9.5%), Taenia spp. (1.6%), echinostomes (0.4%), and hookworms (0.4%). The prevalence of intestinal protozoa was Blastocystis hominis 1.6%, Entamoeba histolytica 0.8%, Entamoeba coli 0.8%, Balantidium coli 0.4%, Iodamoeba bütschlii 0.4%, and Sarcocystis hominis 0.4%. Co-infections of various helminths and protozoa were present in 15.9% of the people. The present results show that the prevalence of parasitic infections in this region is still high. Proactive education about dietary habits, personal hygiene, and sanitation should be provided to the people in this community to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections. Moreover, development of policies and programs to control parasites is needed.

Comparison of Direct Microcopy and Antigen Casette Tests for the Detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium

The aim of this study was to compare the direct microscopy used for detection of intestinal parasites with antigen casette tests used in diagnosis of giardiasis and crypyosporidiasis. Forty-six children who lived in the Şanlıurfa Orphanage were enrolled in this study. The stool specimens were taken in the morning and examined by using native-lugol, modified formalin-ethylacetate concentration methods and cellophane tape method on the same day at the Microbiology laboratory of Harran University. Also Kinyoun-acid fast stained preparations were used for the detection of Cryptosporidium. R-biopharm Cryptosporidium/Giardia casette antigen test was used for the determinaton of giardiasis and crytosporidiasis. The mean age of the children enrolled in this study was 8.61±3.45 and the distribution of gender was 24 female (52.2%), 22 male (47.8%), respectively. According to stool examinations, 9 of 46 examples (19.60%) were determined as Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp. had never been found. The result of the antigen screening casette test showed 9 of 46 samples (19.60%) were positive for G. intestinalis. Also Cryptosporidium spp. had never been found by the antigen casette test. When we compared the results of the direct microscopy and antigen casette tests, we found no significant difference between them for test reliability (p > 0.05). Antigen tests have higher sensitivity (100%) and specifity (100%) than the modified acid-fast staining technique, therefore, it is a preferred reference method . However, an experienced staff working accurately might access the same conclusion. Considering the cost of antigen tests, direct microscopic examination is cheaper, andeasier when it used by an experienced person.

Real-time PCR assay in differentiating Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, and Entamoeba moshkovskii infections in Orang Asli settlements in Malaysia

BackgroundAmebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica is the third leading cause of death worldwide. This pathogenic amoeba is morphologically indistinguishable from E. dispar and E. moshkovskii, the non-pathogenic species. Polymerase chain reaction is the current method of choice approved by World Health Organization. Real-time PCR is another attractive molecular method for diagnosis of infectious diseases as post-PCR analyses are eliminated and turnaround times are shorter. The present work aimed to compare the results of Entamoeba species identification using the real-time assay against the established nested PCR method.MethodsIn this study, a total of 334 human faecal samples were collected from different Orang Asli settlements. Faecal samples were processed by direct wet smear and formalin ethyl acetate concentration methods followed by iodine staining and was microscopically examined for Entamoeba species and other intestinal parasites. Microscopically positive samples were then subject to nested PCR and real-time PCR.ResultsThe overall prevalence of Entamoeba infection was 19.5% (65/334). SK Posh Piah recorded highest Entamoeba prevalence (63.3%) while Kampung Kemensah had the lowest prevalence (3.7%) of Entamoeba. Microscopically positive samples were then tested by real-time PCR and nested PCR for the presence of Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, and Entamoeba moshkovskii infection. Real-time PCR showed higher Entamoeba detection (86.2%) compared to nested PCR (80%), although the McNemar test value showed no significant difference between the two methods (p = 0.221).ConclusionsThis study is the first in Malaysia to report the use of real-time PCR in identifying and differentiating the three Entamoeba infections. It is also proven to be more effective compared to the conventional nested PCR molecular method.

Intestinal parasites prevalence and related factors in hospitalized children age upto 12 years with diarrhea in Surat, India

Background: Intestinal parasitic infection is important public health problem in developing countries. Present study was conducted to identify the prevalence of intestinal parasites and risk factors among children upto age of 12 years hospitalized with diarrhea in tertiary care hospital. Methods: Total 298 children upto the age of 12 years except neonates, admitted in ward of pediatric department with complaints of diarrhea during one year period from May 2011 to April 2012 were included in this study. Various demographic and clinical characteristics were collected on a pretested proforma. Stool smears were examined under light microscope with direct saline smear and lugol`s iodine solution. Parasitic detection was confirmed by formalin ethyl acetate concentration method. Results: Prevalence of intestinal parasites was 8.7% reported among admitted children. Most common parasite isolated was Giardia Intestinalis (5.4%) followed by ascaris lumbricoids (1.3%). Half of study participants were male and belongs to lower socio-economic class. Toilet facility was not available for 26.8% children; 81.2% children received piped water supply of municipality. Duration of diarrhea for more than seven days (p=0.004, OR=4.50, CI=1.59-12.67), more than ten passage of stool per day (p=0.016, OR=2.76, CI=1.20-6.34), non availability of toilet facility (p=0.007, OR=3.05, CI=1.35-6.92) reported as risk factor for intestinal parasitic infection. Such children are more likely to present with vomiting (p=0.038, OR=2.89, CI=1.06-7.90) and abdominal pain (p=0.013, OR=0.35, CI=0.15-0.80). Conclusion: Low socio-economic status, longer duration and frequency of diarrhea, non availability of toilet facility and presence of dehydration were leading risk factors for parasitic infection in present study.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium and Giardia isolates from cattle from Portugal

Fecal samples from 291 calves and 176 adult cattle in Northern Portugal were screened for Cryptosporidium and Giardia using a formalin–ethyl acetate concentration method. Acid-fast staining techniques for Cryptosporidium oocyst identification and direct microscopic observation of fecal smears for Giardia cyst identification were performed so as immunofluorescence microscopy examination. Polymerase chain reaction methods were employed to determine the genotype of each isolate. Molecular characterization was performed using amplification and sequencing of the hsp70 and 18SrRNA genes of Cryptosporidium and β-giardin gene and glutamate dehydrogenase for assemblage determination of Giardia duodenalis. Seventy-four out of 291 calves (25.4%) and 8 out of 176 adult bovines (4.5%) were positive for Cryptosporidium. Forty-one out of 291 calf samples (14.1%) and 1 out of 176 adults samples (0.57%) were positive for Giardia. From the Cryptosporidium positive samples we obtained 63 isolates from calves samples and 7 isolates from adult samples. Additionally, Giardia was isolated in 13 out of 41 positive samples from calves and it was also possible to isolate Giardia from the positive adult sample. Molecular characterization of the Cryptosporidium and Giardia isolates showed us that C. parvum and G. duodenalis assemblage E were the prevalent species. C. parvum may infect humans, representing a potential public health risk. On the other hand, the assemblages B and A2 of Giardia, previously described in humans, were here identified in cattle. Further studies will be needed for determine the importance of cattle as carrier of zoonotic assemblages of G. duodenalis.

Value of the agar plate method for the diagnosis of intestinal strongyloidiasis

An agar plate method for the diagnosis of intestinal strongyloidiasis was compared to the standard formalin-ethyl acetate concentration method. A total of 13 of 225 patients with eosinophilia had positive stools for strongyloides larva by agar plate compared to six of 225 by the formalin-ethyl acetate method ( P = .0455). Nine positive stool specimens by the agar plate method were tested by the Baermann technique, and five were positive. The agar plate method is a sensitive and efficient technique for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis.

Intestinal parasitic infections in the residents of an emigration camp in Tijuana, Mexico.

We examined stool specimens of the residents in the emigration camp in Tijuana, Mexico for helminth eggs or protozoan cysts with formalin-ethyl acetate concentration method in February and July 1992. Out of 92 examined samples, number of positive was 49 (53.3%). While number of cumulative positive was 66 (71.7%). Cysts of Entamoeba coli (29.3%) Giardia lamblia (9.8%), Entamoeba histolytica (7.6%), and eggs of Taenia spp. (6.5) were most frequently observed. Filtered water supply and chemotherapy were required in this camp.