Comparison of Kato-Katz, ethyl-acetate sedimentation, and Midi Parasep® in the diagnosis of hookworm, Ascaris and Trichuris infections in the context of an evaluation of rural sanitation in India

The Kato-Katz, conventional ethyl-acetate sedimentation, and Midi Parasep® methods for diagnosing infection with soil-transmitted helminths were compared. The Kato-Katz technique gave the best overall diagnostic performance with the highest results in all measures (prevalence, faecal egg count, sensitivity) followed by the conventional ethyl-acetate and then the Midi Parasep® technique. The Kato-Katz technique showed a significantly higher faecal egg count and sensitivity for both hookworm and Trichuris as compared to the Midi Parasep® technique. The conventional ethyl-acetate technique produced smaller pellets and showed lower pellet mobility as compared to the Midi Parasep®.

The Kato-Katz technique gave the best diagnostic performance for hookworm and the Midi-Parasep® performed the worst. Feasibility for using a helminth diagnostic technique will vary depending on study characteristics.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Hookworm was the most prevalent STH.
► Kato Katz showed the best result and Midi Parasep® the poorest.
► Midi-Parasep® sediment pellets were larger/more mobile than ethyl-acetate pellets.