Detection of intestinal parasites in human faecal samples using dissolved air flotation

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Soares, Felipe Augusto ; Dos Santos, Bianca Martins ; Rosa, Stefany Laryssa ; Nery Loiola, Saulo Hudson ; Stefano, Vitoria Castilho ; Proenca, Leticia Rodrigues ; Nagase Suzuki, Celso Tetsuo ; Sabadini, Edvaldo ; Saraiva Bresciani, Katia Denise ; Falcao, Alexandre Xavier ; Gomes, Jancarlo Ferreira

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH; v. 27, n. 12, p. 9-pg., 2022-11-01.

Abstract

Objective Ova and parasite (O&P) examination is recommended for the laboratory diagnosis of agents causing parasitic infections; however, this exam requires scientific and technological improvements to enhance its diagnostic validity. Dissolved air flotation (DAF) is an efficient technical principle separating suspended solids in a liquid medium. We aimed to develop and validate a new procedure for intestinal parasite detection with DAF. Methods In this study, we collected samples from 500 volunteers, screened them by direct examination, and transferred the material to tubes using the Three Faecal Test (TF-Test) for triplicate DAF tests. We evaluated physical-chemical parameters and DAF prototype components through quantifying parasites recovered from floated and non-floated regions of the flotation column. The DAF operation protocol was validated with the gold standard results. Results The 10% saturated volume proportion and cationic surfactant showed regularity and high parasite recovery (80%). Modifications of the needle device did not influence parasite recovery (p > 0.05). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and kappa agreement obtained with the DAF protocol were 91%, 100%, 93% and substantial (k = 0.64), respectively. Conclusion The DAF principle could be used to process faecal samples in routine laboratory exams, enabling intestinal parasite detection. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/12236-1 - AnImaLS: Annotation of Images in Large Scale: what can machines and specialists learn from interaction?
• Grantee: Alexandre Xavier Falcão
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/50501-4 - Study and feasibility of new parasite concentration and identification paradigms
• Grantee: Jancarlo Ferreira Gomes
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• FAPESP's process: 22/04349-7 - FECAL SAMPLES PROCESSING BY THE INTEGRATION OF THE DISSOLVED AIR FLOTATION AND AUTOMATED DIAGNOSIS OF INTESTINAL PARASITES
• Grantee: Felipe Augusto Soares
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral