Analysis of feces for eggs of worms
If you suspect helminthiasis or as part of a preventive medical examination, feces are analyzed for worm eggs. This laboratory diagnostic procedure has become widespread, it is prescribed for both children and adults.
Content:
- What is the analysis of feces for eggs of worms?
- Indications for the study of feces for eggs of worms
- How to prepare for the study of feces for eggs of worms
- Collection of feces for eggs of worms
- Technique for analyzing feces for eggs of worms
- How to take a worm test from a child?
What is the analysis of feces for eggs of worms?
During this manipulation, the laboratory assistant examines the feces for the presence of helminth eggs. As a result of this analysis, eggs of almost all parasites known to medicine can be identified, and these are about 250 species. In the human body, they multiply by laying eggs. Most types of helminths parasitize in the human intestine or other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, the eggs of the worms enter the digestive tract, and from there they are excreted along with the feces.
A swab containing the patient's faeces is examined under a microscope. A multiple increase allows you to see eggs and larvae of helminths in the diagnostic material.
This sign makes it possible to assert for sure that the body is parasitized by worms of one of three groups:
- Nematodes (roundworm, whipworm, nekator);
- Fluke flukes (schistosome, hepatic fluke, feline, or lanceolate);
- Cestodes (tapeworm, small and wide tapeworm).
In addition to helminth eggs, their membranes can be found in feces, as well as dysentery amoebae, lamblia and cyclosporidium oocysts.
Indications for the study of feces for eggs of worms
As a screening for a large number of adults and children, stool analysis is carried out when drawing up a health book, when entering school, kindergarten and any team where there is a risk of transmission of helminthiasis. This kind of barrier blocks the path of the spread of parasites.
Another reason for the analysis is suspicion of helminthiasis. Since the worms carry out their vital activity in various organs, the symptoms of parasitic invasion may be similar to the manifestations of pathologies of the liver, intestines, brain, bladder, urethra, and lymph nodes. To differentiate helminthiasis from other diseases, feces are analyzed for eggs of worms.
Symptoms of helminthiasis:
- Itching in the anal region;
- Bowel pain;
- Alternating diarrhea and constipation, bloating;
- Increased fatigue and irritability;
- Sleep disturbances;
- Vulvovaginitis in women;
- Symptoms of allergies due to toxic damage to the body by waste products of helminths;
- Increase in the concentration of eosinophils in the blood;
- Night bruxism (teeth grinding);
- Infections of the genitourinary system.
In children, the following manifestations of helminthiasis join the listed symptoms:
- Desires to defecate, do not end with anything;
- Restless sleep, night crying, whims;
- Irritation of the anus;
- Cough of unknown etiology.
When one or more alarming symptoms appear, the therapist or pediatrician suspects helminthiasis. The analysis of feces for eggs of worms in difficult cases is supplemented with studies of sputum, bile, gastric juice, blood. It is advisable to conduct such a study in children visiting a children's team every six months, and in adults working with small children - annually.
How to prepare for the study of feces for eggs of worms
To achieve the objectivity of the study, at least 3 stool samples must be performed. This tactic is due to the peculiarities of the vital activity of helminths, the next generation of which may appear from eggs after a negative result is obtained.
Restrictions before taking the analysis:
- Do not take mineral or castor oil (per week);
- Do not use antibiotics, medicines for diarrhea and parasites, magnesium and bismuth preparations;
- Irrigoscopy is not recommended;
- The use of vegetables and fruits that provoke flatulence and diarrhea (cabbage, pears, cucumbers, beets, oranges) is limited;
- You can not drink compotes and jelly from berries of bright color, changing the color of feces, eat them fresh (cherries, raspberries, blackberries, etc.);
- Do not use drugs and alcohol.
To collect the analysis, disposable containers purchased in the pharmacy network are used. In this case, the risk of attachment of eggs or larvae from the outside to the material for research is excluded.
Collection of feces for eggs of worms
The most informative is the collection of feces during the morning bowel movement, although evening analysis can show objective results. The feces sample is collected in a pharmacy container with a special device attached to it. If stool collection is carried out in another suitable container, use any clean sticks. It is desirable that different samples fall into the container, both from the edge and from the inside of the fecal mass.
The container is sealed and sent to the laboratory, after signing it. It is better that the study is carried out in 40-60 minutes, maximum 5-7 hours after a bowel movement. Store the stool sample in a cool place at a temperature not exceeding + 4 + 8 ° C. If the material for analysis has been at room temperature for more than an hour, it is considered unsuitable for research.
Technique for analyzing feces for eggs of worms
In modern helminthology, the following coproovoscopy methods are used:
- Microscopy of a native smear - examination with a significant increase in a preparation prepared from water and feces. A piece of feces soaked in distilled water is placed on a glass slide smeared with glycerin. It is mixed with glycerin, covered with a coverslip and analyzed with a microscope;
- Fullenborn's test - the study under a microscope of the film formed on the surface of a solution of feces with salt water. If there are eggs in the feces, they float within an hour and a half;
- Talman's test - study under a microscope of a centrifuged suspension of feces, ether and hydrochloric acid.
The eggs of the worms found in one of the samples give reason to determine the test result as positive. The absence of traces of helminths is positioned as a negative result. The term of the study is 1-3 days, depending on the equipment and workload of the laboratory.
The results should be shown to the doctor who referred the patient for diagnosis. The analysis of feces for worm eggs can be carried out in a bacteriological laboratory at a sanitary epidemiological station or in a private clinic licensed to conduct such studies.
How to take a worm test from a child?
Author of the article: Danilova Tatyana Vyacheslavovna | Infectionist
Education: in 2008 received a diploma in the specialty "General Medicine (General Medicine)" at the Russian Research Medical University named after NI Pirogov. Immediately passed an internship and received a diploma of a therapist.
