       Document 0438
 DOCN  M9610438
 TI    Detection and identification of gastrointestinal microsporidia using
       non-invasive techniques.
 DT    9601
 AU    Corcoran GD; Tovey DG; Moody AH; Chiodini PL; Department of Clinical
       Parasitology, Hospital for Tropical; Diseases, London.
 SO    J Clin Pathol. 1995 Aug;48(8):725-7. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/96005881
 AB    AIMS--To detect enteric microsporidia in faecal specimens from patients
       with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and to identify the
       spores to species level without using invasive procedures.
       METHODS--Formalised faecal preparations were examined using a
       modification of the strong trichrome staining method to demonstrate
       microsporidian spores. Six positive specimens were prepared for electron
       microscopy by emulsification and separation using a 9% Ficoll gradient.
       RESULTS--The modified staining technique readily identified
       microsporidian spores. Spores of different species showed variation in
       size. Identification using electron microscopy was successful for five
       of the six positive specimens examined. It was unsuccessful for one
       specimen in which spores were less abundant on initial staining.
       CONCLUSIONS--The modified strong trichrome staining method is a useful
       way of detecting spores of intestinal microsporidia in faecal specimens.
       Variation in spore size may permit provisional identification by light
       microscopy. Electron microscopic examination of faecal preparations is
       useful for identifying spores to species level.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PARASITOLOGY  Animal  Azo Compounds
       Dyes  Eosine Yellowish-(YS)  Feces/*PARASITOLOGY  Human  Methyl Green
       Microscopy, Electron  Microsporida/CLASSIFICATION/*ISOLATION &
       PURIF/ULTRASTRUCTURE  Parasitology/METHODS  Spores/ULTRASTRUCTURE
       JOURNAL ARTICLE

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).

