title: Comparative analysis of morphometric features of the eggs of selected alimentary tract parasites and of the plant pollens.
abstract: The aims of the study were: 1. to compare morphometric features of eggs of selected alimentary tract parasites and common garden plants pollen, which may accidentally contaminate a feces undergoing parasitological examination; 2. to make laboratory diagnosticians aware of a possibility of an error at coproscopic examination as well as in helminthologic evaluation of the environmental samples (soil, water). Eggs of 7 species of alimentary tract parasites and 52 common garden plants pollens were examined and compared; using of MultiScanBase v.8.08 computer program the perimeter, length and width of the given objects/images were measured and statistical calculations were made in Statistica 9.1 program. The following conclusions can be drawn: 1. The computer image comparative analysis of parasite eggs and plant pollen proved the existence of statistically significant differences between the particular morphometric features; 2. A routine direct microscopic observation of feces is performed with the naked eye which is not able to notice slight differences (up to a few μm in size), and therefore, despite lack of statistically significant differences, it is easy to make an error; 3. During a routine microscopic observation it should be remembered that the structure, shape or exine of many commonly occurring pollen grains are extremely similar to eggs of some parasites; 4. Both in the analysis of feces specimens and the evaluation of environmental samplings characteristic morphological features of eggs should be considered to facilitate differentiation between eggs and pollen grains; 5. Following the precautionary measures to avoid contamination of feces simples with plants pollens, quality control as well as reliability and awareness of risk eliminates danger of obtaining false positive results.
authors.affiliation: Chair of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Medical University of Lodz, 1 Hallera Square, 90-647 Lodz, Poland.
authors.forename: Katarzyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Szwabe
authors.affiliation: Chair of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Medical University of Lodz, 1 Hallera Square, 90-647 Lodz, Poland.
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kurnatowski
keywords: parasite eggs; plant pollens