Comparison Laboratory Methods for Detection of Hookworms Infection

Intestinal parasitic infections are globally endemic in the world. In Indonesia, intestinal parasitic infections particularly helminthes is one of the public health problems. It can cause malnutrition and anemia so can be disturbing growth and development children. Intestinal parasitic infections with soil-transmitted helminths (STH) such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale) diagnosed by detection of helminth eggs in stool samples. Stool samples commonly examine by using microscopic with conventional techniques as direct wet smear stain like Lugol stain, sedimentation methods like formol ether concentration (FEC). Stool examination for hookworm with conventional techniques often miss opportunity in laboratory. Therefore we used modified Harada Mori culture to detect hookworms infection. The objective of this study was to compare modified Harada Mori culture method and others laboratory methods like direct wet smear Lugol stain and FEC to detect hookworm infections. This research done by cross-sectional method in Sub regency Tanjung Tiram, Regency Batubara Province of Sumatera Utara. A total of 40 stool samples participants was immediately examined by modified Harada Mori culture, direct wet smear Lugol stain and FEC. The results showed that 8 (20%) stool samples positive for hookworm from 40 samples were examined by modified Harada Mori culture and none hookworm for direct wet smear Lugol stain and FEC. Direct wet smear Lugol stain and FEC miss for hookworm if concentration is too low and also fragile of hookworm eggs. This research found that modified Harada Mori culture was most effective method for detection hookworms.