Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Mini Parasep® SF commercial faecal parasite concentrator for the laboratory diagnosis of intestinal parasitism. This was compared with the modified Ridley-Allen sedimentation technique.
Methods: A total of 40 stool samples, consisting of 08 positive control samples and 32 single fresh stool samples from antenatal clinic patients attending Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Hospital, Jos were used for the study. Wet-mount microscopic examinations were carried out on all the faecal deposits from both the formol-ether technique and the Mini Parasep® SF method using physiological saline and D’Antoni’s iodine.
Results: Out of the 40 samples, 09 (22.5%) were positive using the modified formol-ether method while 14 (35.0%) were positive with the Mini Parasep® SF method. The formol-ether method detected 07 different parasites as against 08 by the Mini Parasep® SF method. The formol-ether method detected the following parasites – Hymenolepis nana 01 (2.5%), Dicrocoelium dendriticum 01 (2.5%), Hookworm 04 (10.0%), Trichuris trichiura 01 (2.5%), Giardia lamblia 01 (2.5%), Entamoeba coli 03 (7.5%) and E. histolytica/dispar 03 (7.5%). The Mini Parasep® SF method detected H. nana 02 (5.0%), Schistosoma mansoni 02 (5.0%), Hookworm 03 (7.5%), Strongyloides stercoralis 01 (2.5%), Ascaris lumbricoides 01 (2.5%), E. coli 05 (12.5%) G. lamblia 02 (5.0%) and E. histolytica/dispar 07 (17.5%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for modified formol-ether and Mini Parasep® SF techniques respectively are as follows; sensitivity (60% and 93%), specificity (80% and 96%), positive predictive values (57.4% and 91.3%) and negative predictive values (81.7% and 96.8%).
Conclusion: The study has shown that Mini Parasep® SF method can be used in place of the modified formol-ether method for the laboratory diagnosis of intestinal parasitism especially in endemic areas.