As stated earlier, special testing is not used as often in helminth diagnosis as it is in the diagnosis of protozoa. Some of the other tests available include the following:
- The tape prep for pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis)
- Molecular methods e.g. PCR, Real-time PCR, Multiplex real-time PCR, Nested PCR, LAMP, PCR-RFLP* etc.
- Larval nematode detection (e.g. water emergence and agar plate detection for Strongyloides sp. and hookworm)
- Estimation of worm burden using the Stoll or Kato-Katz methods, or FLOTAC or McMaster methods
- Hatching of Schistosome eggs
- Methods for identifying tapeworm proglottids
- Use of other specimens to diagnose intestinal worm infections
Many of these tests are not commonly done in routine microbiology laboratories and are performed primarily in reference laboratories. The exception is the molecular methods which are more commonly available. Examples of molecular assays used for detecting parasites include polymerase chain reaction (*PCR), loop mediated isothermal amplification (*LAMP), and restriction fragment length polymorphism (*RFLP). Some of these methodologies will be addressed in more detail as we discuss the various parasites covered in this course.
