Strongyloides stercoralis in saline wet mount of stool : Introduction and

Strongyloides stercoralis in Saline Wet Mount of Stool: Introduction and About This Parasite

Strongyloides stercoralis in a saline wet mount of stool

Larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis were observed in a saline wet mount of the stool as shown above image.

Preparation of saline wet mount

It consists of requirements and test procedures.

Test requirements –

Physiological saline (0.85 gm/dl)
Clean and grease-free slide and coverslip
Microscope
Test sample ( stool)
Sterile bamboo stick or applicator

Test Procedure

Take a drop of physiological saline on a labeled glass slide. Transfer feces (stool) on a glass slide doing multiple stabbing of feces using the applicator and in a way that touches the drop. Mix properly and place the coverslip without creating a bubble. Now focus on the 10X objective and finally observe the 40X objective under the microscope.

Introduction

Strongyloides stercoralisis a human pathogenic parasitic roundworm causing the disease strongyloidiasis. The Strongyloides stercoralis nematode can parasitize humans. The adult parasitic stage lives in tunnels in the mucosa of the small intestine. The genus Strongyloides contains 53 species.

Geographic distribution

This infection is associated with fecal contamination of soil or water. so, it is a very rare infection in developed economies than in developing S. stercoralis can be found in areas with tropical and subtropical climates. Estimates of the number of people infected vary with one estimate putting the figure at 370 million worldwide.

Life cycle

It completes into two stages

a) Free-living cycle

b) Parasitic cycle

Morphology of Strongyloides stercoralis

Male having a size of about 0.9 mm whereas female larger i.e. from 2.0 to 2.5 mm.

Males can be distinguished from females by two these structures:

the spicules

and gubernaculum.

Symptoms

Initially, many people infected are asymptomatic. Anyway, Symptoms include

dermatitis:
swelling,
itching,
larva currens,
and mild hemorrhage at the site where the skin has been penetrated.
Spontaneous scratch-like lesions may be seen on the face or elsewhere.

Diagnosis

Fecal wet preparation :

showing larvae (juvenile, rhabditiform, or filariform)

Culturing fecal samples on agar plates:

Trekking of Strongyloides on an agar plate

Serology:

serodiagnosis through ELISA and duodenal fumigation.

Treatment

Choice of drugs are-

Albendazole
Thiabendazole
ivermectin
mebendazole and
piperazine

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