title: The trichrome-stained smear as a screening method for intestinal parasites: evaluation in a San Francisco Bay Area population.
abstract: The trichrome-stained smear and the formalin-ether concentrate were compared for detecting and identifying intestinal parasites. Using both methods, 15,414 outpatient and inpatient specimens were examined. Of 2,773 intestinal parasites recovered, 2,633 (94.9%) were protozoa. The trichrome-stained smear detected 97.0% of the intestinal protozoa and 38.9% of intestinal helminths. We conclude that, in geographic areas where protozoan infections are more common, the trichrome-stained smear alone may be used as a screening method for intestinal parasites if personnel are trained to recognize helminth eggs and larvae in the trichrome-stained smear.
mesh_terms: D001391:Azo Compounds; D004396:Coloring Agents; D004801:Eosine Yellowish-(YS); D004987:Ethers; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology*; D005557:Formaldehyde; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000469:parasitology; D006801:Humans; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000469:parasitology*; D008739:Methyl Green; D011528:Protozoan Infections / Q000469:parasitology; D013194:Staining and Labeling
chemical_list: D001391:Azo Compounds; D004396:Coloring Agents; D004987:Ethers; C017768:trichrome stain; D005557:Formaldehyde; D008739:Methyl Green; D004801:Eosine Yellowish-(YS)