Stool for Taenia Species (Tapeworm Eggs)


1. Objective

To detect the eggs of Taenia species (Taenia saginata or Taenia solium) in stool samples, aiding in the diagnosis of taeniasis.

2. Principle

The diagnosis is made by identifying Taenia eggs or proglottids in stool using direct wet mount and concentration techniques. Since eggs are shed intermittently, sensitivity increases with multiple stool samples or proglottid examination.

  • Taenia eggs are spherical with a thick shell and radial striations.
  • Species-level identification requires examination of proglottids or scolex.

3. Materials

  • Stool sample container
  • Microscope slides and cover slips
  • Normal saline and Lugol’s iodine
  • Centrifuge and test tubes (for formalin-ether concentration)
  • Pipette or applicator stick
  • Microscope
  • PPE and biohazard disposal

4. Procedure

A. Direct Wet Mount

  1. Place a small amount of stool on a slide.
  2. Add a drop of normal saline (and iodine, if needed).
  3. Cover with a coverslip and examine under 10x and 40x for eggs.

B. Formalin-Ether Concentration

  1. Mix stool in 10% formalin, filter, and centrifuge with ether.
  2. Examine the sediment microscopically for eggs.

C. Proglottid Examination (if visible)

  1. Identify and crush proglottid between slides.
  2. Count uterine branches to distinguish species (e.g., T. solium <12; T. saginata >13).

5. Result Interpretation

  • Positive: Detection of characteristic Taenia eggs or segments in stool.
  • Negative: No eggs seen – may require repeat samples.
  • Inconclusive: Artifacts present – use concentration or repeat exam.

6. Uses

  • Diagnosis of intestinal tapeworm infection.
  • Surveillance of foodborne parasitic infections in endemic areas.
  • Differentiation between T. solium (cysticercosis risk) and T. saginata.

7. Conclusion

Stool examination remains a cornerstone in diagnosing Taenia infections. Though eggs of T. saginata and T. solium are morphologically indistinguishable, microscopy and morphology of segments allow species differentiation. Accurate diagnosis is important for managing neurocysticercosis risk.

 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Urine Culture

Image
  1. Objective To detect and identify pathogenic bacteria (or fungi) in urine and determine their antibiotic susceptibility , especially in suspected urinary tract infections (UTIs) . 2. Principle Urine is inoculated onto differential and selective media to isolate and identify uro-pathogens such as E. coli , Klebsiella , Proteus , and Enterococcus . A colony count is performed to assess the significance of bacterial growth, and susceptibility testing is carried out using methods like Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion . 3. Materials Sterile midstream urine sample Inoculating loop (1 µL or 10 µL calibrated) Culture media: Cystine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) agar MacConkey agar Blood agar Incubator (35–37°C) Antibiotic discs (for sensitivity testing) Mueller-Hinton agar (for disc diffusion) PPE and sterile containers 4. Procedure Mix the urine sample gently. Use a calibrated loop to streak the urine onto culture media plate...
Read more

Coombs Test (Antiglobulin Test), including both the Direct and Indirect versions

Image
🧪 1. Objective The objective of the Coombs test was to detect antibodies (or complement proteins) bound to red blood cells (Direct Coombs) or free antibodies in a patient’s serum that could react with red cells (Indirect Coombs). It was used to diagnose immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), and for crossmatching in transfusions. 🧪 2. Principle The test relied on the use of Coombs reagent (anti-human globulin, AHG), which binds to human IgG and/or complement (C3d) attached to red cells. In the Direct Coombs test (DAT), it detected in vivo sensitization of RBCs. In the Indirect Coombs test (IAT), it detected antibodies in the serum capable of binding to RBC antigens in vitro. Agglutination after addition of AHG indicated a positive result. 🧪 3. Materials Patient’s red blood cells (for DAT) or serum (for IAT) Screening or panel red cells (for IAT) Anti-human globulin reagent (polyspecific or monospecific: anti-Ig...
Read more

Antiphospholipid Antibody Test (e.g., dRVVT)

Image
  1. Objective: To detect antiphospholipid antibodies in patient plasma, especially in suspected cases of antiphospholipid syndrome, using the Dilute Russell’s Viper Venom Time (dRVVT) test. 2. Principle: The dRVVT measures the time it takes for plasma to clot after the addition of diluted Russell's viper venom, which directly activates factor X. In the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, especially lupus anticoagulant, the clotting time is prolonged. A confirmatory test with excess phospholipids is used to demonstrate correction. 3. Materials Required: Patient citrated plasma Normal pooled plasma (control) Russell’s viper venom reagent (screening and confirmatory) Calcium chloride Platelet-poor plasma Coagulometer or water bath with stopwatch Test tubes and pipettes 4. Procedure: Collected citrated blood and prepared platelet-poor plasma. Added venom reagent to both patient and control plasma. Added calcium chloride to initiate clottin...
Read more