Practical Guide to Diagnostic Parasitology

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Table of Contents


Section 1. Philosophy and Approach to Diagnostic Parasitology

Why Perform This Type of Testing?

Who Should Perform Diagnostic Parasitology Testing?

Where Should Diagnostic Parasitology Testing Be Performed?

What Factors Should Precipitate Testing?

What Testing Should Be Performed?

What Factors Should Be Considered When Developing Test Menus?

Risk Management Issues Associated with STAT Testing

Section 2. Parasite Classification and Relevant Body Sites

Protozoa (Intestinal)

Protozoa (Other Body Sites)

Protozoa (Blood and Tissue)

Nematodes (Intestinal)

Nematodes (Tissue)

Nematodes (Blood and Tissue)

Cestodes (Intestinal)

Cestodes (Tissue)

Trematodes (Intestinal)

Trematodes (Liver and Lungs)

Trematodes (Blood)

Pentastomids

Acanthocephala

Table 2.1 Classification of Human Parasites

Table 2.2 Cosmopolitan Distribution of Common Parasitic Infections

Table 2.3 Body Sites and Possible Parasites Recovered

Section 3. Collection Options

Safety

Collection of Fresh Stool Specimens

Preservation of Stool Specimens

Collection of Blood

Collection of Specimens from Other Body Sites

Table 3.1 Fecal Specimens for Parasites: Options for Collection and Processing

Table 3.2 Approaches to Stool Parasitology: Test Ordering

Table 3.3 Preservatives and Procedures Commonly used in Diagnostic Parasitology (Stool Specimens)

Table 3.4 Advantages of the Thin and Thick Blood Films

Table 3.5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Buffy Coat Films

Table 3.6 Potential Problems of Using EDTA Anticoagulant for the Preparation of Thin and Thick Blood Films

Table 3.7 Body Sites and Possible Parasites Recovered

Section 4. Specimen Test Options: Routine Diagnostic Methods and Body Sites

Ova and Parasite Examination of Stool Specimens

Other Diagnostic Methods for Stool Specimens

Testing of Other Intestinal Tract Specimens

Urogenital Tract Specimens

Sputum

Aspirates

Biopsy Specimens

Blood

Culture Methods

Animal Inoculation and Xenodiagnosis

Antibody and Antigen Detection

Table 4.1: Body Site, Procedures and Specimens, Recommended Methods and Relevant Parasites, and Comments

Table 4.2: Serologic, Antigen, and Probe Tests Used in the Diagnosis of Parasitic Infections

Section 5. Specific Test Procedures and Algorithms

Microscopy

Ova and Parasite Examination

Fecal Immunoassays for Intestinal Protozoa

Larval Nematode Culture

Other Methods for Gastrointestinal Tract Specimens

Methods for Urogenital Tract Specimens

Preparation of Blood Films

Blood Stains

Blood Concentration

Algorithm 5.1: Procedure for Processing Fresh Stool for the O&P Examination

Algorithm 5.2: Procedure for Processing Liquid Specimens for the O&P Examination

Algorithm 5.3: Procedure for Processing Preserved Stool for the O&P Examination-Two-Vial Collection Kit

Algorithm 5.4: Procedure for Processing SAF-Preserved Stool for the O&P Examination

Algorithm 5.5: Use of Various Fixatives and Their Recommended Stains

Algorithm 5.6: Ordering Algorithm for the Laboratory Examination for Intestinal Parasites

Algorithm 5.7: Procedure for Processing Blood Specimens for Examination

Table 5.1: Body Site, Specimen, and Recommended Stain(s)

Table 5.2: Approaches to Stool Parasitology: Test Ordering

Table 5.3: Laboratory Test Reports: Optional Comments

Table 5.4: Parasitemia Determined from Conventional Light Microscopy: Clinical Correlation

Section 6. Commonly Asked Questions about Diagnostic Parasitology

Stool Parasitology

Tissues or Fluids

Blood

Section 7. Parasite Identification

Protozoa

Nematodes

Cestodes

Trematodes

Section 8. Identification Aids

Tables 8.1 to 8.37

Identification Keys 8.1 to 8.4

Figures 8.1 to 8.3

Plates 8.1 to 8.4