Mouth Scrapings and Nasal Discharge

• What parasites can be detected in mouth scrapings?

  = Eubacterium gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax
• What parasite can be recovered from nasal discharge specimens?

  =  Naegleria fowleri
• How should material obtained from mouth scrapings and nasal discharge be collected?

  =  In a clean airtight collection container
• What can be used to collect material from mouth scrapings and nasal discharge?

  = Swab or cup
• What is the typical method for examination of mouth scrapings and nasal discharge samples?

  = Wet preps
• What other staining method may be used for the examination of mouth scrapings and nasal discharge samples, if appropriate?

  = Giemsa stain or Gram stain
• What parasite is typically detected using wet preps of mouth scrapings?

  = Trichomonas vaginalis
• What parasite is typically detected using wet preps of nasal discharge?

  =  Naegleria fowleri
• What is the advantage of using wet preps for the examination of mouth scrapings and nasal discharge?

  = They preserve the morphology of the parasites.