Evaluation of the Agar plate Method for the detection of Strongyloides Stercoralis in Alexandria rural primary school children

Abstract

Strongyloides stercoralis is an important nematode of human-being. It has worldwide distribution being particularly common in tropical and subtropical areas and infection rate up to 58% among inhabitants has been reported in some countries. Today, this percentage is elevated due to the increase in taking of corticosteroides and immunosupressive drugs. Strongyloidiasis ranges from asymptomatic to fatal state in immunocompromised host. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent life-threatening complications such as perforation and peritonitis. In spite of recent progress in immuno-diagnosis, the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis has remained difficult. It appears that detection of the characteristic larvae from stool samples is the most reliable means. The objectives of this thesis were mainly directed to determine:

.) The extent of the problem of strongyloidiasis infection among the primary school children in a rural area in Alexandria (Khorshid), and studying the various factors affecting such prevalence. ·) To assess the suitable techniques for detection the larvae of

Strongyloides stercoralis in man and soil. For satisfying these aims a stratified random sample of 750 children aged 6-11 years was chosen. The children were categorised according to age, sex, educational and occupational levels of parents, sanitary conditions and socio-economic standard of their families. Stool samples were collected from every child in a clean dry waxed

paper containers and examined microscopically by both test tube and