What is the cornerstone technique for diagnosing dicrocoeliasis in patients?
Answer
Fecal examination
The definitive confirmation of dicrocoeliasis relies heavily on laboratory identification of the parasite's products, specifically its eggs, in the patient's stool samples. This process is known as fecal examination. To increase the probability of detection, concentration techniques are often employed, as the eggs are small and may be shed intermittently. While imaging techniques like Ultrasound or CT scans can reveal associated biliary damage, they cannot confirm the specific etiology of the infection; only the microscopic identification of the characteristic operculated eggs provides laboratory confirmation.
Related Questions
What common name is used for *Dicrocoelium dendriticum* due to its characteristic shape?What is the cornerstone technique for diagnosing dicrocoeliasis in patients?Which terrestrial insect acts as the specific second intermediate host for *Dicrocoelium dendriticum*?Which anthelmintic drug is considered the preferred agent for treating symptomatic Dicrocoeliasis?What key morphological feature characterizes the eggs of *Dicrocoelium dendriticum* allowing them to exit the host?What rare, severe complication is linked to long-standing, heavy infestation of *D. dendriticum* in the biliary tree?What behavioral alteration is induced in the ant by *D. dendriticum* metacercariae to facilitate transmission?Approximately what is the length range of the adult *Dicrocoelium dendriticum* fluke found in the bile ducts?Which domestic ruminants are cited as the principal hosts responsible for shedding eggs into the environment?What is the estimated prepatent period for *Dicrocoelium dendriticum* until eggs appear in feces?How does the pathology of *D. dendriticum* generally compare to *Fasciola hepatica* concerning tissue involvement?