How to quantify malaria parasites?
To quantify malaria parasites against RBCs, count the parasitized RBCs among 500-2,000 RBCs on the thin smear and express the results as % parasitemia.
What is the Buffy coat method?
In the Quantitative Buffy Coat (QBC®; Becton Dickinson) method, blood samples are collected in a special tube containing acridine orange, an anticoagulant, and a float, and then are centrifuged in a microhematocrit centrifuge. After centrifugation, the tubes are examined using a fluorescence microscope with a stage adapter, or a light microscope with a customized fluorescence attachment. Malaria parasites concentrate below the granulocyte layer in the tube. The QBC method is reported to have a good sensitivity for detection of malaria parasites, and has also been applied (albeit to a lesser extent) to other parasites such as trypanosomes, microfilaria and Babesia spp.
How many RBCs are needed for parasitemia?
If the parasitemia is high (e.g., > 10%) examine 500 RBCs; if it is low (e.g., <1%) examine 2,000 RBCs (or more); count asexual blood stage parasites and gametocytes separately. Only the former are clinically important and gametocytes of P. falciparum can persist after elimination of asexual stages by drug treatment.
Why are thin smears useful?
Examining thin smears. Thin smears are useful for species identification of parasites already detected on thick smears, screening for parasites if adequate thick smears are not available, and a rapid screen while the thick smear is still drying.
Why do you need a thick smear?
Since the erythrocytes (RBCs) have been lysed and the parasites are more concentrated, the thick smear is useful for screening for parasites and for detecting mixed infections. First screen the entire smear at a low magnification (10× or 20× objective lens), to detect large parasites such as microfilaria. Then examine the smear using the 100× oil ...
How many WBCs are in a field?
Select an area that is well-stained, free of stain precipitate, and well-populated with white blood cells (WBCs) (10-20 WBCs/field).
What is the appropriate sample for species identification?
If you see parasites, make a tentative species determination on the thick smear and then examine the thin smear to determine the species present. Most often, the thin smear is the appropriate sample for species identification.
What does a 10x eyepiece do?
To illustrate, a 40x objective and a 10x eyepiece will result in a higher resolution (more detailed) image than a 20x objective and a 20x eyepiece.
How to see bacteria?
From deep within the soil to inside the digestive tract of humans. In order to see bacteria, you will need to view them under the magnification of a microscopes as bacteria are too small to be observed by the naked eye.
What is the objective of a microscope?
Microscope objectives give you the ability to view samples at different magnification strengths. When viewing bacteria, you will notice the different objectives will obviously yield different results:
Why do bacteria float in and out of focus?
At high magnification*, the bacterial cells will float in and out of focus, especially if the layer of water between the cover glass and the slide is too thick.
How to make transparent bacteria visible?
Transparent bacteria are often difficult to see/recognize. For them, you can use phase contrast optics. This method makes the bacteria visible by making bacteria darker or lighter than the background. Alternatively you can stain bacteria for better results. But this method may introduce artifacts.
Which lens is closest to the specimen slide stage?
Objective lens -which is closest to the specimen slide stage, produces an enlarged, inverted image of the specimen.
What can you see at 400x magnification?
At 400x magnification you will be able to see bacteria, blood cells and protozoans swimming around . At 1000x magnification you will be able to see these same items, but you will be able to see them even closer up. Below is a list of your field of view at different magnifications.
What microscope is used to take coins?
The coin images shown above were captured using the FZ6 stereo zoom microscope and a DCM3.2 microscope camera with 3 megapixels.
How many microns can you see with 400x magnification?
At 400x magnification you will be able to see 0.45mm, or 450 microns.
What is the best way to focus on an object?
When using a high power microscope (also known as a compound microscope) it is best to start out with the lowest magnification, get your specimen in focus, and then move up to the higher magnifications one at a time. This is the easiest way to ensure that you will be able to focus in on your object quickly.
What is the infective stage of coccidia?
At left is a highly magnified view of coccidia sporogony. This is the infective stage of the coccidia when it is consumed by the animal. Species of coccidia are determined by looking at the structure of this stage. The oocyst contains two sporocysts, and this is typical of the genus Isospora (and Toxoplasma, although Toxoplasma oocysts are much smaller). Sporulated oocysts of the genus Eimeria contain 4 sporocysts.
How many sporocysts are in an oocyst?
The oocyst contains two sporocysts, and this is typical of the genus Isospora (and Toxoplasma, although Toxoplasma oocysts are much smaller). Sporulated oocysts of the genus Eimeria contain 4 sporocysts.
What parasites kill goats?
Two of the biggest problems confronted by a goat farmer are worm and coccidia infestations. These two parasites alone kill more goats than all other illnesses combined.
What is the name of the group of worms that shed nematodes?
This group is referred to as strongyle eggs and worming recommendations can be based on the quantity of strongyle eggs present.
How to remove large particles from a sandpaper?
Mash them up in the liquid with your stirring rod. Add more of the solution and pour it through the strainer or cheesecloth to remove the large particles. Now, pour the strained liquid into a clean test tube. Next, fill up the test tube to the very top with more liquid. Place a microscope cover slip over the top.
How long are oocysts?
The oocysts are typically between 35 and 50µm long. At 100x magnification, about 40 of them would fit end to end in your field of view. They will appear very small but you will be able to see them!
How long does it take for an egg to float in a microscope?
Place a microscope cover slip over the top. There should be no air between the cover slip and the liquid. Over time (20-30 minutes) the eggs will float up to the top and adhere to the glass plate.
How much does a microscope cost?
A basic microscope will cost about $200.00 - less than the price of a decent grade koi. A power of 400x is recommended and the microscope should have a light bulb, not a mirror, as its source of illumination. The ocular lens, or eyepiece you look in, will likely have a fixed power of 10x. The rotating subjective lenses will likely be powered at 4x, 10x and 40x. This provides magnification powers of 40x, 100x and 400x
Do you need a microscope to scrape a koi?
We all used microscopes in high school, likely not realizing then that they could provide invaluable information to us in our future as Koi hobbyists. Daunting to some, the reality of doing scrapes is that it is quite simple and easily mastered. A basic microscope is all that is required, a “high dry” resolving power of 400x will more than suffice. This will allow you to make an accurate assessment of what pests [with the exception of bacteria] are afflicting your Koi. With this information you are able to best decide what treatment regimen to employ to cure your fish
Is a microscope good for koi?
The microscope is an invaluable tool to successful koi keeping. A good scope costs far less than a good koi and using one is not that difficult. If you stop in the shop, we are happy to take you through the paces of scraping a fish and examining the mucous under our scope
Can you see parasites at 40x?
Larger parasites, such as the nasty aforementioned Flukes, are readily visible at 40x. A little practice is required mastering the movement of the mechanical stage if your scope has one. With less expensive scopes, you have to move the slide by hand. A common mistake often made is to over illuminate the slide - so start off at a lower light power and a resolving power of 40x for your initial examination. The best image is one of contrast is what my microbiology teacher told us
Do fish carry parasites?
The reality is that fish will always carry some parasites , it’s when they are weak that a population explosion occurs and the Koi hobbyist has to take quick action. Knowing the enemies lifecycle as it pertains to temperature is also imperative. Most parasites have lifecycles under 30 days in “Summer temperatures”. It took me a long time to get around to buying a microscope. But like many other tools, once you have one, you wonder how you did without. I have also just finished taking a Microbiology course [2004] which has covered both practical and theoretical aspects of maximizing the benefit of this most useful tool. Thank you Anthony Von Leeuwenhoek !
