Ova and Parasites
An ova and parasite (O&P) exam of stool is a test in which a laboratory professional uses microscopy to examine a stool specimen and look for parasites. Many parasites can cause infections of the digestive system called gastrointestinal (GI) infections.
Your doctor may order an Ova and parasite stool test if you show symptoms of an intestinal infection, such as:
- recurrent diarrhea
- mucus or blood in stool
- nausea and vomiting
- severe abdominal cramps
- headache
- fever
Your doctor might order the test before you show signs of an infection. Doctors may encourage your child to be tested if there’s a parasitic outbreak at your child’s school. Testing for Ova and parasites is necessary because children may get reinfected several times, which can prove fatal for their health.
Most people infected by gastrointestinal tract parasites become infected by ingesting food contaminated with the Ova or drinking contaminated water. Ova and parasites from infected species are released in the stool and can contaminate any water, food, or surfaces that come into contact with them.
Stool specimen examination keeps the fundamental test for screening and diagnosis. It is to search for the parasite directly. Respect for the correct procedure for the collection of stool is an essential step for the reliability and proper interpretation of the results of this examination. (2)
Figure 1: Steps of Ova and Parasite Stool Test (2)
Fortunately, these parasitic infections are easily managed and treated. With the help of several antihelminthics, antiprotozoals, and antiparasitics, there is a good chance of getting 100 % treated.
References:
- Trabelsi, S., Aouinet, A., & Khaled, S. (2012). Procédure et indications d’un examen parasitologique des selles [Procedure and indications of stool examination in parasitology]. La Tunisie medicale, 90(6), 431–434.
- Figure from https://www.parasites.org/stool-test-for-parasites/