The combination of three faecal parasitological methods to improve the diagnosis of schistosomiasis mansoni in a low endemic setting in the state of Ceará, Brazil

Laboratory diagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis mansoni can be accomplished through various methods of stool examination to detect parasites, ranging from the most classic tests (Kato-Katz) to several methods that are still undergoing validation. This study was conducted to assess two new parasite identification methods for diagnosing schistosomiasis mansoni in residents of a low endemic area in the municipality of Maranguape, in the state of Ceará, Brazil using the Kato-Katz method as a reference and serology (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) for the screening of patients. The Kato-Katz, the saline gradient method and the Helmintex® method parasite identification methods were employed only in subjects who exhibited positive serologic tests. The test results were then analysed and treatment of positive individuals was subsequently performed. After comparing the test results, we observed that the saline gradient method and the Helmintex® method were more effective in diagnosing schistosomiasis mansoni in the study area compared with the Kato-Katz method.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Pinheiro,Marta Cristhiany Cunha, Carneiro,Teiliane Rodrigues, Hanemann,Ana Lúcia de Paula, Oliveira,Sara Menezes de, Bezerra,Fernando Schemelzer Moraes
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde 2012
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0074-02762012000700006
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!