Autofluorescence microscopy for the detection of nematode eggs and protozoa, in particular Isospora suis, in swine faeces

Parasites from swine faeces were examined for autofluorescence. Oocysts of Eimeria polita, E.scabra and Isospora suis, cysts of Balantidium coli eggs of Oesophagostomum dentatum, Strongyloides ransomi and Trichuris suis (but not those of Ascaris suum) emitted light after excitation with UV light, I. suis oocyst counts in McMaster chambers utilising autofluorescence were co mpared to those from conventional bright field microscopy. Similarly, faeca l smears containing I. suis were examined using the techniques. Autofluores cence was superior to bright field microscopy in detecting oocysts after fl otation and was highly significantly more sensitive when direct smears were examined.