In-vitro cultivation: a sensitive method for detecting Blastocystis hominis.
Currently, the detection of human infection with Blastocystis hominis is usually based on the examination under a light microscope of faecal samples, either directly, as 'simple smears', or after some form of concentration. Whether short-term, in-vitro cultivation would increase the sensitivity of such detection remains a matter of controversy. Over 900 fresh stool specimens, from soldiers in the Royal Thai Army, were each checked for the parasite using three methods: simple smears; formalin-ethyl-acetate concentration; and cultivation in Jones' medium. Although 334 of the samples were found to be culture-positive, the parasites were only detected in 142 of the simple smears, and faecal concentration led to an even lower sensitivity (64 positive samples). In-vitro cultivation does seem worthwhile in the detection of B. hominis carriage in field studies.
Leelayoova
S
S
Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, 315 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
Taamasri
P
P
Rangsin
R
R
Naaglor
T
T
Thathaisong
U
U
Mungthin
M
M
D000818:Animals; D016776:Blastocystis Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000469:parasitology*; D016845:Blastocystis hominis / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003470:Culture Media; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology*; D006801:Humans; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013785:Thailand
D003470:Culture Media