Ziehl-Neelsen Staining Method Research Articles

Cryptosporidium Infections in Neonatal Calves on a Dairy Farm.

This study was conducted with the aim of the molecular identification of the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium spp. in calves in the early stage of their development on a dairy farm in Eastern Slovakia. Twenty-five Holstein and Holstein cross calves were included in the study and monitored from their birth to the fifth week of life (1-5 weeks). Fresh fecal samples were collected from the same group of calves each week, except during the fourth week, and with the exception of Sample 8. All samples were analyzed using the Ziehl-Neelsen staining method and coproantigen was tested using the ELISA test as the screening method. Using the ELISA method, the highest incidence of cryptosporidiosis was observed in the second week of life of the calves, while the antigen was detected in 21 (91.6%) calves. Using the Ziehl-Neelsen staining method, the highest incidence was also observed in the second week, with an incidence rate of 62.5%. Positive isolates confirmed by the ELISA test were molecularly characterized. The species and subtypes of Cryptosporidium in the positive isolates were identified using PCR and the sequence analysis of the small subunit of the ribosomal 18S RNA (ssu rRNA) and the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) genes of the parasite. The sequence analysis of 29 isolates at the 18S rRNA loci confirmed the presence of two species-Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium ryanae. Out of 29 isolates, 25 were assigned to the species C. parvum, with the gp60 locus identified as genotype IIaA17G1R1. Among the individual animal groups, calves are the most common reservoirs of the C. parvum zoonotic species. This disease has significant public health implications as contact with livestock and their feces and working with barn manure are major sources of infection, not only for other animals but also for humans.

Spatial distribution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis mRNA and secreted antigens in acid-fast negative human antemortem and resected tissue

The ability to detect evidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection within human tissues is critical to the study of Mtb physiology, tropism, and spatial distribution within TB lesions. The capacity of the widely-used Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining method for identifying Mtb acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in tissue is highly variable, which can limit detection of Mtb bacilli for research and diagnostic purposes. Here, we sought to circumvent these limitations via detection of Mtb mRNA and secreted antigens in human tuberculous tissue. We adapted RNAscope, an RNA in situ hybridisation (RISH) technique, to detect Mtb mRNA in ante- and postmortem human TB tissues and developed a dual ZN/immunohistochemistry staining approach to identify AFB and bacilli producing antigen 85B (Ag85B). We identified Mtb mRNA within intact and disintegrating bacilli as well as extrabacillary mRNA. Mtb mRNA was distributed zonally within necrotic and non-necrotic granulomas. We also found Mtb mRNA within, and adjacent to, necrotic granulomas in ZN-negative lung tissue and in Ag85B-positive bronchiolar epithelium. Intriguingly, we observed accumulation of Mtb mRNA and Ag85B in the cytoplasm of host cells. Notably, many AFB were negative for Ag85B staining. Mtb mRNA was observed in ZN-negative antemortem lymph node biopsies. RNAscope and dual ZN/immunohistochemistry staining are well-suited for identifying subsets of intact Mtb and/or bacillary remnants in human tissue. RNAscope can identify Mtb mRNA in ZN-negative tissues from patients with TB and may have diagnostic potential in complex TB cases. Wellcome Leap Delta Tissue Program, Wellcome Strategic Core Award, the National Institutes of Health (NIH, USA), the Mary Heersink Institute for Global Health at UAB, the UAB Heersink School of Medicine.

Prevalence of enteroparasites in rural and urban children in the municipalities of Bocaiúva do Sul and Colombo, Paraná, Brazil

The aim of this study was to diagnose enteroparasites and to relate them to socioeconomic factors in schoolchildren from the public system in the municipalities of Colombo and Bocaiúva do Sul, located in the Metropolitan Region from the city of Curitiba, Brazil. Fecal samples were processed using the modified Ritchie and Ziehl-Neelsen staining methods. Analysis of the risk factors, using Tukey test and Odds ratio (OR), was obtained by connecting questionnaires with parasitological results. Of the 414 schoolchildren analyzed, 32.4% (134) were positive for at least one enteroparasite species. The most prevalent were Blastocystis spp. (21.7%), Entamoeba coli (5.5%), Endolimax nana (5.5%), Giardia duodenalis (3.9%), Trichuris trichiura (3.7%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (2.9%). Schoolchildren from rural areas had a higher occurrence of enteric parasites (p<0.05), showing that is necessary to continue with health education, being careful with the food, basic sanitation and parasitological examination of feces before treatment. KEY WORDS: Enteroparasites; monoparasitism; multiparasitism; children; socio-echonomic factors.

Identification of major protozoal enteropathogens causing calf diarrhea in dairy farms in and around Holeta Town, Oromia Special Zone, Ethiopia

Calf diarrhea can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and intestinal parasites. Giardia, Eimeria, and Cryptosporidium are the most significant protozoan parasites and are all individually and ollectively infectious. A case-series study was carried out in and around Holeta dairy farms, Oromia Special Zone, Ethiopia, from November 2017 to April 2018 to identify the main protozoan enteropathogens from diarrheic calves. Samples were purposely collected from three dairy farms: Serkalem Dairy Farm (SDF), Holeta Agricultural Research Centre (HARC), and Ada Berga Agricultural Research Centre (ABARC). A total of 93 fecal samples were taken from diarrheic calves of up to 4 months of age. Protozoan enteropathogens were identified using flotation and modified Ziehl Neelsen staining methods. Cryptosporidium, Eimeria, and Giardia were detected in 44 (47.3%), 50 (53.8%), and 34 (36.6%) of the diarrheic fecal samples examined, respectively. The findings indicated that there were 17 (18.27%) cases of Cryptosporidium, Eimeria, and Giardia as mixed infections, 16 (17.2%) cases of Cryptosporidium and Eimeria, 5 (5.4%) cases of Cryptosporidium and Giardia, and 4 (4.3%) cases of Eimeria and Giardia, compared to 13 (13.97%), 6 (6.45%), and 5 (5.4%) cases of Cryptosporidium, Eimeria and Giardia as single infections, respectively. The selected farms had significant prevalence levels of three common protozoa: Eimeria, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium. Further molecular research is required to identify the species and genotype levels of protozoal enteropathogens and related risk factors.

A comparative study of accuracy between gene Xpert (cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test) and line probe assay in retreatment cases of sputum-positive pulmonary tuberculosis

Abstract Background: Many studies have compared the efficacy of Gene Xpert (cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test [CBNAAT]) and line probe assay (LPA) techniques; however, a systematic and meticulous comparison of these two techniques is lacking. Objective: To study the accuracy of GeneXpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)/rifampicin (RIF) assay and LPA in the detection of MTB complex in smear-positive retreatment cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Materials and Methods: This diagnostic evaluation study was conducted on 300 retreatment cases of pulmonary TB. The patients who were receiving retreatment were identified by sputum for acid fast Bacilli by Ziehl–Neelsen staining method and were instructed to provide sputum samples for CBNAAT and LPA. These sputum samples were then processed for liquid culture as part of the routine diagnostic procedure. Results: Majority of the patients (52.3%) were of 31–45 years of age. Males (56%) were more than females (44%). Most of the cases were relapse (88%). Ninety-three percent were reactive on sputum culture. Seventy percent had RIF resistance on CBNAAT. Isoniazid and RIF resistance was seen in 69.7% on LPA. 23.3% were sensitive on LPA and 7% had isoniazid resistance. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive for CBNAAT as compared with LPA were 75%, 100%, 100%, and 22.2%, respectively. Conclusion: Both LPA and CBNAAT are equally effective in detecting MTB in the given sputum sample. However, LPA is preferred over can be very helpful as it can point out the Isoniazid (INH) and Rifampicin (RIF) resistant nature of the bacterium.

Comparision of pap stained smears by using auto fluorescence method with ziehl-neelsen method for detection of acid fast bacilli (AFB)

The Ziehl-Neelsen staining method though it plays an important role in detecting acid fast bacilli (AFB) by direct microscopy its low sensitivity makes to look for the other alternatives. : This study was undertaken to evaluate the utility of auto fluorescence method on Papanicolaou stain (Pap) in comparison tothe traditional Ziehl-Neelsen stain (ZN) method in detection of AFB from lymph node aspirates. Fine needle aspirations (FNAs) were done in 153 patients with clinical suspicion of tubercular lymphadenitis. Smears from aspirate were processed for routine cytology for Hematoxyllin & Eosin (H&E), Giemsa, Pap, Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) and Auramine (AR) staining. Pap stained smears were examined for AFB for their autofluorescence under fluorescent microscope using the blue excitation filter. ZN stained smears are examined for AFB under oil immersion of compound microscope. The efficacy of the autofluorescence method by Pap in detection of acid fast bacilli (AFB) over the conventional Ziehl-Neelsen stain was analyzed by taking AR as a standard control for AFB.Tuberculous lymphadenitis was diagnosed in 36 cases out of 153 clinicall suspected cases by cytology, culture and microscopyThe sensitivity of ZN was 57.14% and specificity was 99.15% while the sensitivity of AF was 96.5% and the specificity was 91.8%. : It was a novel method of detection of AFB, cheaper, easily available and less time consuming than other methods. AR also had high sensitivity rates as AF.

Copro-prevalence of <i>Cryptosporidium </i>in pigs of selected districtsin West coast of India: A preliminary study

In India, Cryptosporidium spp. have been detected and characterised from humans and domestic animals, mostly ruminants. Although pigs can act as an important reservoir of Cryptosporidium infection to humans, comprehensive studies have not been conducted in pig population in India. Hence, present study attempt to elucidate the prevalence and diversity of Cryptosporidium infection in pigs in the selected districts of three states situated in the West coast of India. The pig faecal samples (n=221) were subjected to coprological examination using modified Ziehl Neelsen (mZN) staining method, followed by polymerase chain reaction to detect Cryptosporidium spp. Using mZN staining method, 1.35% (95% CI, 0.46%–3.91%) of the samples were found positive for Cryptosporidium oocyst. However, the DNA from Cryptosporidium positive faecal samples could not be amplified using polymerase chain reaction probably because of the low sensitivity of the PCR and or low oocyst number in the faecal sample. Cryptosporidium spp. of pig origin have zoonotic potential and a certain proportion of pigs infected with Cryptosporidium may be apparently healthy. Therefore, the pig farmers need to be made aware of hygienic practices while handling pigs and pig manure and and general public must be made sensitised about the good agricultural practices and standard food hygiene practices to prevent foodborne Cryptosporidium infection.

Ocorrência de Cryptosporidium spp. em bezerros de rebanhos leiteiros do norte de Antioquia, Colômbia

ABSTRACT Cryptosporidium spp. are important enteropathogen protozoan parasites that infect humans and other animals throughout the world. Cryptosporidiosis in cattle industry leads to considerable economic losses due to diarrhea, dehydration, growth retardation, weight loss, and possibly death, however, data on the occurrence ofCryptosporidiumspp. in cattle in Colombia are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence and possible factors associated to the excretion of Cryptosporidium spp. oocyst in pre-weaned calves from dairy farms in Northern Antioquia, Colombia. In addition, Sheather’s sugar floatation (SSF), and Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining (MZN) methods were compared. A total of 41 fecal samples were collected from calves between 1 and 92 days of age of which 23 were positive (56.1%). Crossbreed calves were nine times less susceptible than purebred dairy cattle to excretion of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts (OR=0.10). MZN was the best technique for the detection of oocysts in fecal samples, however, the mean number of days to detect cryptosporidial oocysts was lower for the SSF method. Cryptosporidium is widespread among calves under 2 months of age in dairy herds of Northern Antioquia, although further investigations considering a greater number of farms and animals are necessary.

Intestinal parasitic infections and their potential risk factors among prison inmates in Valencia, Spain

BackgroundDespite the fact that prison inmates are a population at higher risk than other groups of suffering from intestinal parasite infections in relation to their living conditions, information about these diseases in prison environments is still scarce. Herein, we analyze the status of intestinal parasite infections in a Spanish prison.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 528 inmates was conducted from April to June 2022 among inmates at Centro Penitenciario Picassent (Valencia, Spain). Stool specimens were examined using the direct wet mount technique, the formol-ether concentration technique, and the Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. We used STATA 16.1 for data analysis. We consider a p-value less than 0.05 significant at a 95% confidence level.ResultsOf the 528 inmates (471 men and 57 women; a mean age of 41.94 years) enrolled in the study, 83 (15.7%) were infected. Only six species of protozoa were detected. The gut potential microeukaryotic pathobiont Blastocystis sp. was the predominant parasite, accounting for 37 (44.6%) of the infections. Gut parasite amebas (6.6%) and pathobionts (5.3%) were more prevalent than flagellates (2.3%). The prevalence of infection with pathogenic species (8.9%) was similar to that of non-pathogenic species (8.7%). Infection among men (15.2%) was higher than in women (0.6%) (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, the country of birth (AOR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.18–0.52) and the time spent in prison (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.06–3.14) were statistically significant associated to intestinal parasite infections (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.028, respectively).ConclusionThis study found low levels of intestinal parasite infections in the CPP which could be indicative of the implementation of sanitary measures in prison environments in Spain. The less time spent in prison favor the risk of having infection while the Spanish nationality of inmates could reduce the risk of infection. The main recommendation would be to introduce routine parasitological tests upon foreigners entering prison.

ANALISA BAKTERI TAHAN ASAM PADA DAHAK PEROKOK AKTIF PENDERITA TUBERKULOSIS PARU

Acid fast bacteria (AFB) are cell walls containing complex lipids so that in Ziehl-Neelsen staining they can bind dyes because they are not washed off by 3% HCl Alcohol (Alcoholic Acid). One of the host factors in pulmonary tuberculosis is smoking habits and exposure. Smoking habits will damage the defense mechanism of the lungs, which causes the lungs to be more easily infected with tuberculosis germs. The purpose of this study was to determine the results of analysis of acid-fast bacteria in the sputum of active smokers. The research method used was descriptive cross-sectional by examining acid-fast bacteria in the sputum of active smokers suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis by microscopic examination of sputum (direct smear smear) using the Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. smear examination with Ziehl-Neelsen staining in patients with tuberculosis at Putri Hijau Hospital in 2022, totaling 20 samples, found 4 positive results and 16 samples with negative results.

Assessment of Co-Infection in Tuberculosis Patients Prior to their Enrollment to the Direct Observed Treatment (Dot) Program in Buea, Limbe, and Douala Tuberculosis Treatment Centers

Introduction: Co-infections during Tuberculosis infection are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. These infections are a major public health problem among patients in most developing countries, including Cameroon. One of the important public problems in coendemic areas is co-infection with TB in humans. Moreover, there is no adequate research hitherto that provides information on the level of co-infection in Tuberculosis patients. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and intensity of co-infections in newly diagnosed Tuberculosis patients prior to their enrollment to the Direct Observed Treatment (DOT) program in Buea, Limbe and Douala Tuberculosis treatment centers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to November 2020 using a purposive sampling technique. A fresh sputum sample was collected, processed, and examined through a smear microscopy and culturing technique. Blood samples were collected through finger pricking for the detection of blood parasites using thin and thick blood smears. Stool samples were also collected and processed using a direct wet mount, and Kato-Katz and Modified Ziehl Neelsen staining methods. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. A Chi-square test was done to assess the prevalence of co-infection among all TB patients recruited for this study. Results: A total of 200 newly diagnosed TB-positive patients were recruited from the three study sites. Out of the total participants recruited, 29.0% were diagnosed positive for blood parasites, 2.0% for intestinal parasites and 15.0% for viral infections, bringing the overall prevalence of co-infection to 46.0%. When specific infections were considered, malaria, filaria, intestinal parasites, HIV and HBV constituted 28.0%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 14.5% and 0.5% respectively. When dual-infection was considered, the results were 0.5% malaria/filaria, 1.5% malaria/intestinal parasites and 2.0% malaria/HIV. The mean parasite densities for all samples diagnosed positive for malaria, filarial and intestinal parasites were 107.0 ± 338.8 parasites/uL, 25.7 ± 356.4 mf/mL and 85.0 ± 85.4 EPG, respectively. Conclusion: The results indicate that there is an overlap of co-infections in TB patients with their interactions expected to lead to complications and difficulty when managing the TB patients, calling for more research and recommending more assessment for co-infection in TB patients before starting treatment.

Mycobacteriosis in a Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) from Turkey

In this case, mycobacteriosis in a Nile crocodile’s tissues, which were sent from a private zoo, was described pathomorphologically and immunohistochemically. Macroscopically; multifocal, greyish-white areas were observed in the sent lung, liver and spleen. Histologically, a large number of well-demarcated necrotic areas were seen. These areas included nuclei debris locally. Moderate inflammatory cells and a couple of multinucleated giant cells surrounded the necrotic cores. Numerous acid-fast bacilli were detected by Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. Immunolabelling for both Mycobacterium bovis and anti-BCG antibodies was positive in each tissue.

Identification of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Active Smokers with Ziehl–Neelsen Staining Method

Tuberculosis is still a health problem for the people of Indonesia, especially active smokers. There are many risk factors that can cause tuberculosis in active smokers including age at starting smoking, number of cigarettes consumed per day, and how long smoking has been done. The purpose of this study was to determine the results of identifying mycobacterium tuberculosis in active smokers with the Ziehl–Neelsen staining acid resistance test method. This type of research is a descriptive-analytic study that aims to determine the results of identifying Mycobacterium tuberculosis in active smokers. The Ziehl–Neelsen staining acid resistance test was conducted at the Tourism Hospital Laboratory of the University of East Indonesia Makassar on September 22 to October 6, 2022. The population in the study is 10 people. The sample was determined using a total sampling technique so that 10 samples were obtained. The research variables were active smokers. The data obtained are presented in the form of tables and narratives. After laboratory testing using the Ziehl–Neelsen staining method, the conclusion was that 1 out of 10 samples of active smokers was identified as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis.

Cryptosporidium in human-animal-environment interphase at Adama and Asella areas of Oromia regional state, Ethiopia

BackgroundIn Ethiopia, several studies have reported the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection in young calves, lambs, and HIV positive patients. However, research on cattle and sheep of all ages, as well as humans, has been limited.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium in dairy cattle, sheep, humans, and manure samples. Dairy cattle and sheep were stratified according to their age groups and randomly sampled. Stool samples from volunteered dairy farm workers and rural household members were collected purposefully. A semi-structured questionnaire was also used to collect information about manure handling practices and socio-demographic variables. All collected samples were processed with the sugar floatation technique and the modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining method. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association of risk factors with the occurrence of Cryptosporidium in study subjects (p < 0.05).ResultsThe overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium in dairy cattle, sheep, humans, and manure samples was 20.5%, 14%, 16%, and 13.20%, respectively. Cryptosporidium infection was significantly higher in dairy cattle aged 1–12 months and 13–36 months with odds of 3.48 and 3.07 times higher, respectively, compared to others. Similarly, its occurrence was 2.69 times higher in sheep aged 1–6 months than those above 6 months. And also, a higher average oocyst count (above 10 oocysts) per-field was observed in cattle aged 1–12 months, followed by sheep aged 1–6 months. Furthermore, the likelihood of infection was 13 times greater in farm workers compared to household members of smallholder farmers. In addition, the occurrence of oocysts was 22.8 times higher in manures from dairy cattle than that of sheep. About 16.8% of the study respondents had manure disposal pit, 98.1% of them used manure as fertilizer for crop and vegetable production without any treatment.ConclusionsThe study revealed the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection in all age groups of dairy cattle and sheep, humans engaged in animal production. Occurrence of Cryptosporidium in manure suggests it potential contamination of environment and water sources.

Stall Sanitation Associated with Cryptosporidium sp. Infection on Calf and Cattle Farmer

Increasing the cattle population can increase the amount of the waste. Poor management of cage sanitation has the risk of causing a decrease in the health conditions of cattle farmers, such as: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and itching, as many as 50% of cattle with diarrhea are infected with Cryptosporidium sp. The highest infection of Cryptosporidium sp. in cattle found in calves. The calf can excrete 1×1010 oocysts of Cryptosporidium sp. per day. Cryptosporidium sp. also has the potential to cause zoonotic infections that are transmitted from animals to humans. The study aims was to determine the relationship between stall sanitation and Cryptosporidium sp. to calf and cattle farmer. The type of this research was analytic observational with a cross sectional approach conducted in Jatian Village, Pakusari, Jember during October 2021 - March 2022. The primary data was obtained through interviews and observations. The feces of calves and cattle farmer were collected and examined using sedimentation method and modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) staining method. The statistical test used is the chi-square test. The results showed that the prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp. in calves by 14,3% and on cattle farmer by 4,8%. The bivariate analysis showed that that stall location and waste handling were associated with Cryptosporidium for calf (p≤0.05), and there were no variables that were significantly related to infection in cattle farmers (p&gt;0,05). Cryptosporidium sp. in calves and humans can be caused by several factors, such as environmental factors and hosts. Preventive measures such as maintaining a clean environment including cowshed sanitation and personal hygiene need to be taken to reduce the risk of Cryptosporidium infection from calves to humans, and vice versa.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis and It’s Associated Risk Factors Among Human Population in Zakho District, Duhok Province, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Cryptosporidiosis caused by species belonging to genus Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic disease that affects both animals and humans, making it a major public health and veterinary concern. A cross sectional study was performed during the period from August 2021 to March2022, to estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in the human population in order to determine the effect of associated risk factors on the rate of infection in Zakho district, Duhok. Seven hundred Fecal specimens were collected from Zakho General Hospital and two primary schools located in suburban area of Zakho city. The collected stool specimens were examined macroscopically and microscopically using a modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining method. Cryptosporidium infection was found in 87.57% (613/700) of the examined specimens. Males showed slightly higher infection rate than females (88.4% vs. 85.5%) with non-significant difference (P &gt; 0.05). Ages group (31-41 years) showed highest rates, with significant difference (P&lt;0.05). The highest rates of infection were reported among families with 6-10 members, people drinking unfiltered municipal tap water, suburban residents, those with close contacts with domestic animal, and illiterate people. The control of this disease necessitates the improvement of living conditions, providing potable clean water and disseminating health education programs among the community.

Application of Ziehl Neelsen Staining Method for Taenia spp. Eggs Differentiation.

Three of Taenia species, named Taenia saginata, T. solium and T. asiatica can be found in Indonesia, but only T. solium can lead to neurocysticercosis. The morphology of those 3 Taenia spp. egg is indistinguishable by standard parasitology procedure. We aimed to use Ziehl Neelsen staining for differentiation of eggs of T. saginata and T. solium. As many as 40 containers of stool samples from the positive helminthiasis patients in Jakarta, Indonesia were collected during the year 2018. From each container, 10 slides prepared for staining with Kato-Katz technique as the preliminary examination. From those stool samples with positive taeniasis, we then once again made 10 slides/container for Ziehl Neelsen staining. The first 400 slides stained with Kato-Katz technique as preliminary test were all positive for Taenia spp. The second 400 slides, we got 244 slides that gave good results as we could distinguished between the eggs of T. saginata and T. solium, meanwhile the remainder 156 slides gave unconfirmed results. From those 244 slides, 154 slides showed T. saginata eggs with magenta colored and 90 slides showed T. solium eggs with blue/purple colored. The eggs of T. solium slightly smaller if compared to Taenia saginata and had round shape, meanwhile T. saginata eggs were oval in shape. Ziehl Neelsen staining method can be used as an alternative parasitological method to differentiate the eggs of T. saginata and T. solium.

Commonness and Risk Factors Associated with Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections among Inmates of Port Harcourt Children’s Home

Background: Gastrointestinal parasites are important health problems among most societies.&#x0D; Objectives: Prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites among inmates of Port Harcourt children home.&#x0D; Methods: This prospective study was carried out in August and September 2019 at the Port Harcourt children home. Fecal samples were collected from 63 healthy looking inmates and examined macroscopically and microscopically (using normal saline and iodine wet mount, formalin-ether sedimentation and modified Ziehl Neelsen staining) methods. Finally, data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square (X2) test.&#x0D; Results: Result showed that 74.6% (47/63) of the female and 25.4% (16/63) of the male tested positive for GIPs. Age group 11-15 years had prevalence of 17(44.8%). The common parasites identified were A. lumbricoides 10(15.9%), T. trichiura 7(11.1%) and hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale) 2(3.2%). The educational level prevalence of 10(52.6%) was observed among the primary level (p&lt;0.05). The risk factors such as: the use of drug in the last three months, hand washing with soap after using the toilet and washing of hands after contact with soil had significance of p&lt;0.05 while putting on foot wear outside the house p&gt;0.05.&#x0D; Conclusion: The distribution of gastrointestinal parasitic infections is high among the children. Necessary treatment intervention safety measures should be routinely carried out to reduce the spread to zero tolerance.

Diagnostic Yield of Xpert MTB/RIF Assay Using Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis among the Sputum-Scarce Suspected Pulmonary TB Patients.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide and is caused by the single infectious agent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Although sputum is the most common specimen for pulmonary TB detection, some other respiratory specimens, such as bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, gastric lavage (GL), and induced sputum (IS), are also collected from patients who are unable to deliver sputum. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performances of different test methods for TB diagnosis using BAL fluid specimens from sputum-scarce pulmonary TB patients. In this current study, a total of 210 BAL fluid specimens were collected and subjected to culture on Lowenstein–Jensen (L-J) medium, using an N-acetyl-L-cysteine-Sodium Hydroxide decontamination and digestion method, Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert, Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) assay, and acid-fast bacilli (AFB) microscopy with a Ziehl–Neelsen staining method for the detection of pulmonary TB. The sensitivity and specificity of these methods were then analyzed against the composite reference standard (CRS). Additionally, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of these assays. Among the 210 specimens, 39 (18.6%), 27 (12.8%), and 12 (5.7%) were found positive with Xpert assay, culture, and AFB microscopy, respectively. Considering the CRS, 42 (20%) were positive as the final diagnosis. The Xpert assay had a significantly higher sensitivity (92.9%, 95% CI: 80.5–98.5) compared to culture (64.3%, 95% CI: 48.0–78.4) and AFB microscopy (28.6%, 95% CI: 15.7–44.6) against the CRS. Additionally, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the Xpert assay, culture, and AFB microscopy accounted for 0.964, 0.821, and 0.655, respectively, when using CRS as the reference. In conclusion, our study findings demonstrated that the Xpert assay conferred a considerable diagnostic potential compared to other conventional methods for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB from BAL fluid specimens.

Analysis of The Effectiveness of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Through Resistant Bacterial Staining and Molecular Rapid Tests

The diagnosis of TB can be confirmed by microscopic examination of smear on the sputum of the patient. However, because this method requires very expensive equipment, it is difficult to implement it in health facilities with simple facilities. Therefore, the Ziehl Neelsen staining method is a fairly simple method of choice and provides high sensitivity and specificity. In the research of Eka Kurniwan, et al. 2016, from the results of examining 40 samples with the Molecular Rapid Test (TCM), 16 people (40%) were found to be positive. The research objective was to know Mycobacterium tuberculosis through sputum examination through Ziehl Nelssen's acid-resistant bacteria staining and Molecular Rapid Test (TCM) of Puskesmas Dempo Palembang based on volume, odor, color and consistency. This type of research is a diagnostic test with a cross sectional study approach. Population and sample of 85 patients. The sampling technique in this study is using the total sampling method. Conclusion There is no effect based on volume, there is an effect based on the smell, color and consistency of sputum, there are differences in the results of Mycobacterium tuberculosis through sputum examination through Ziehl Nelssen's Acid-Resistant Bacteria Staining and Molecular Rapid Test (TCM) at Puskesmas Dempo Palembang.