Parasite Examination Overview

A sample of feces or poop, usually collected for the diagnosis of parasitic infections.

A technique used to detect parasite eggs, cysts, and larvae in stool samples by exploiting their lower specific gravity compared to the zinc sulfate solution. The parasites float to the surface, making them easier to identify under a microscope.

The area of the body responsible for digesting food and absorbing nutrients, where parasites often reside.

The specific gravity of zinc sulfate should be around 1.18 to effectively separate parasites from the stool sample. This ensures that lighter eggs and cysts float on top of the solution, allowing for easier identification.

The eggs, cysts, and larvae of parasites are generally less dense than zinc sulfate, causing them to float on the surface. This allows for easier observation and identification under a microscope.

A type of parasite that can be found in water or soil and can cause infection, especially in the intestines.

The zinc sulfate flotation technique is considered a safe and effective method to detect parasites in stool samples. It is a cleaner and less flammable alternative to other techniques.

The dormant, protected stage of a parasite, usually resistant to harsh environments.

The liquid waste produced by the kidneys and excreted through the bladder.

The zinc sulfate flotation technique is limited in its ability to detect large, heavy parasites like schistosomes. This is due to the specific gravity of the solution, which may not be heavy enough to float these larger parasites.

The process of concentrating parasite eggs or larvae in a sample to aid in diagnosis.

A chemical solution used to preserve parasite specimens, extending their shelf life for analysis.

A condition caused by a parasite infection, often characterized by symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

A type of specimen used to diagnose Acanthamoeba keratitis, a parasitic infection of the cornea.

A type of specimen used to recover eggs of Schistosoma haematobium and microfilaria of various parasitic worms like Wuchereria, Onchocerca, Loa-loa, and Brugia.

A type of specimen used to detect the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis, a common parasitic infection of the reproductive tract.

Used to detect trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica, a parasitic amoeba that can cause amoebiasis, which can affect the lungs.

Specimens collected using suction from the body. This can be used to confirm the presence of parasitic infections in various body parts.

A non-nutrient agar plate specifically formulated for culturing Acanthamoeba, a parasitic genus causing keratitis.

A fluorescent dye used to stain Acanthamoeba cysts in clinical samples, facilitating diagnosis under a microscope.

A type of specimen collected from the spinal fluid, which can be used to diagnose parasitic infections affecting the brain, such as Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba, Toxoplasma, and Trypanosoma.

Organisms that live on or in a host organism, obtaining food from or at the expense of their host.

The state of being invaded or overrun by parasites, occurring superficially on the body.

The series of stages an organism goes through during its life cycle.

The stage of a parasite's life cycle that can infect a host.

The stage of a parasite's life cycle that is easiest to detect in a lab sample.

A type of parasite that belongs to the phylum Arthropoda.

A type of parasite that belongs to the phylum Platyhelminthes.

A type of helminth that lives in the tissues and blood of its host, including filariae (thread-like worms) and other nematodes.

A technique used to detect parasite eggs, larvae, and protozoa in stool samples by examining a thin layer of feces mixed with normal saline solution (NSS) under a microscope.

A type of staining solution used to enhance the visibility of parasite cysts and protozoan trophozoites in a fecal smear.

A preparation method for identifying parasites in stool samples, involving mixing a sample of feces with iodine solution and examining the mixture under a microscope.

The active, feeding stage of a protozoon.

A solution that contains potassium iodide and iodine crystals dissolved in distilled water, used for staining parasitic specimens.

A method of concentrating parasite eggs and cysts in a fecal sample, by mixing the sample with water in a jar and allowing the parasites to settle at the bottom based on their density.

A method for collecting a fecal sample for parasite analysis, involving collecting a small amount of feces from several different areas, particularly those that might contain blood or mucus.

An instrument used to collect fecal samples for analysis. It is a small stick with a pointed end that can be used to pick up a small amount of feces.

A technique used to visualize the cysts of amoebas and other protozoa, highlighting details not visible in unstained preparations.

A simple preparation using only a drop of water and a cover slip to observe live parasites. It's particularly useful for viewing the locomotion of amoebas and flagellates.

A technique using iodine to visualize parasites in a stool sample.

Also known as Lugol's Solution, it's a common iodine-based stain used to visualize cysts and trophozoites of parasites.

A modified formulation of Gram’s iodine, it provides better results in visualizing the details of cysts and trophozoites.