An Improved Method of Sedimenting Schistosoma japonicum and Other Helminth Ova

Abstract

An improved method of sedimenting S. japonicum and other helminth ova by the use of 10% ethyl alcohol (sp. gr. 0.986) is descr. Stools of dogs infected with S. japonicum, Toxocara canis, Trichuris trichiura and Ancylostoma caninum, and monkeys infected with S. mansoni were utilized. Comparative sedimentation tests were run, using 10% alcohol against the usual 5% glycerine in tap water. The former proved superior in all cases, demonstrating a higher ova yield. Other chemicals and reagents were also tested; none were as efficacious in sedimenting ova as 10% ethyl alcohol. This method also can be used for the recovery of protozoan cysts and larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis.