A study of the frequency of recovery of unexpected Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium from duodenal aspirates taken during routine upper endoscopy.
In this study, our objective was to determine whether the microscopic examination of duodenal aspirates recovered during routine upper endoscopy in unselected, immunocompetent patients, would disclose unsuspected Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium.


METHODS
Prospective, cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of duodenal parasitosis.


METHODS
Endoscopy unit in a university hospital.


METHODS
One hundred and thirty-one unselected, immunocompetent patients undergoing upper endoscopy.


METHODS
Microscopic examination of duodenal aspirates, obtained during upper endoscopy. No pathogenic or commensal parasite was identified in any patient.


CONCLUSIONS
No case of unsuspected parasitosis was found in the present study. On the basis of our findings, we do not recommend routine collection of duodenal aspirates during upper endoscopy.
Ramirez
F C
FC
Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
Clarridge
J E
JE
Heiser
M C
MC
Michaletz
P A
PA
Schwartz
J T
JT
Saeed
Z A
ZA
Graham
D Y
DY
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003458:Cryptosporidium / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine; D004386:Duodenum / Q000469:parasitology*; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D005260:Female; D016829:Giardia lamblia / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies