I am currently looking for a low cost methodology for studying common helminths in children living in urban slums in the Philippines. Me and my partner are planning to conduct the study as our undergrad thesis. We also plan to give the results of our diagnoses to the participants of our study, so they may take proper medical action. We would appreciate any help on the design of our methodology.
Formalin ether is one of the best,simple and sensitive methods for prevalence study of intestinal parasites.
As mentioned the technique is not expensive. There are two comments:
1. The epidemiological design is very important to make a nice survey.
2. You should pass through a MD to provide them the results. The clinical context is important. Giving a paper containing names of parasites is not very useful for them!
The best and well acceped technique for helminth detection and estimation of egg count per gram is the Katokatz technique. Although deworming program doesn't always need the egg per count data but it is very useful for evaluation of the dewormig program and also to conduct further epidemiological research.
Study design would be another matter of concern. as per my suggestion the detection part should be done in the field itself or very near by the site of the stool collection. Fresh stool samples would always be ideal for the study.
Man power requirement: Expert microscopist, local field worker, good technicians, Comminity manager, data entry operator, logistics manager, operational manager, Experienced research personnel, Doctors.
More information can be obtained from websites of "Deworm the world initiatives" and WHO.
Low cost technique methodology for children living in slums, i.e a deprived area. I get the impression that you are students with a tight budget. I think you should link up with a nearby lab with a working microscope and willing technologist who is interested in research. It would also be useful to get the help of a local doctor or nurse in the local clinic to introduce you to the community and to examine the children you recruit, so the people know they are getting something tangible out of it.Go to the community and explain you are students and what you want to do. Select the homes/ families you are going to study and decide when you will leave the specimen containers with them and when you will collect them.The fresher the specimen is when examined for helminths the better. You should also be able to provide antihelminthic medication for cases you detect.
Direct smear method is the best way to conduct a low cost study.I do this every day, and I believe the results obtained with this method is comparable with other methods.
Of course in the study helminths
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