The parasitological examination of the stool is a test that allows the identification of intestinal parasites through macro and microscopic stool evaluation, which visualizes cysts, eggs, trophozoites or adult parasitic structures, which helps the doctor diagnose diseases caused by parasites such as ankyllostoma, ascaridiase, giardiasis or amebiasis, for example.
Thus, this test is indicated by the doctor when the person has signs and symptoms of worms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite or unexplained weight, as this way it is possible to identify the cause of the alteration and indicate the most appropriate treatment.
- Parasitological examination of faeces can identify the parasites responsible for gastrointestinal changes.
- And adult cysts.
- Trophozoites.
- Eggs or worms can be identified in the faeces.
- The latter being more rare to identify.
- For example.
- When the person develops symptoms of parasitic diseases such as abdominal pain.
- Loss of appetite.
- Or stomach swelling.
- Your doctor may indicate that you have the faecal pest test.
- Learn how to identify symptoms of worms.
The main parasites found in feces by parasitological examination are
When a large number of parasite eggs are identified in your stool, for example, your doctor generally recommends an imaging exam, such as a colonoscopy or endoscopy, to identify if there are adult worms in your digestive system, which is the case. taenia sp., Ascaris lumbricoides and Ancylostoma duodenal.
In addition, it is common for the doctor to indicate that in addition to the parasitological examination of the stool, the person indicates that a co-culture is being performed, especially if the person has diarrhoeal stools or more pastes, as it may also be indicated for infection by bacteria, the co-culture being the most appropriate test in this case. Case. Understand what coproculture is and what it’s for.
Stool parasitology is based on analysis of a stool sample that must be taken by the person and taken to the laboratory within 2 days of sampling the sample for the analysis to be performed. The recommendation is that 3 samples be taken every other day, as some parasites have variations in their life cycle and the structures cannot be observed if the samples are taken on consecutive days.
In addition, it is important that the sample taken has not been in contact with urine or glass and, in case of mucus or whitish stain in the stool, it is recommended to bring this area for analysis. It is also recommended that you do not use laxatives, antidiarrheals or antibiotics at least 1 week before the collection period, as they may interfere with the result. Learn more about the stool exam.
In the laboratory, stool is evaluated macroscopically, i.e. the appearance and color of the stool is evaluated, which is important for the best diagnostic technique to be performed for the examination, since depending on the characteristics of the stool, the assumptions of the type and degree of infection, allow more appropriate techniques to identify adult cysts, egg trophoithos or worms.
Subsequently, the samples go through a preparation process so that they can be evaluated under a microscope and, thus, it is possible to carry out the research and identification of parasitic structures, which is indicated in the report. The report indicates the method of diagnosis performed, whether parasitic structures have been observed and identified, the structure and species of the parasite, and this information is important for the doctor to indicate the most appropriate treatment.
Learn more about how to retrieve the stool exam in the following video: