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228 Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant

FIGURE 12.10 Hookworm egg.

FIGURE 12.12 Fluke egg.

FIGURE 12.11 Tapeworm segments.

Protozoans

Protozoans are either unicellular or multicellular organ-
isms that for the most part cause profuse diarrhea and
sometimes even bloody diarrhea. The most common cul-
prits are coccidia and giardia. Giardia can affect humans
usually by ingestion of contaminated water. Coccidia are
transmitted by the oral–fecal route. They are found on
fecal floats and direct smears. This is where the feces is
smeared onto a slide and then looked at under 10×.
They are quite small and many technicians will view FIGURE 12.13 Coccidia – magnified.
these oocysts using 40× (Figure 12.13). There are also
species of protozoans that parasitize blood cells.
Remember to handle feces with care, always use PPE and the test tubes washed with a disinfectant and then
and wash your hands! The leftover fecal material is either put on a rack to dry. Inspect the tube for cracks and if
flushed down the toilet or put in the lab’s waste con- found throw the entire tube away. Put all supplies away
tainer. The contents of the test tubes used to perform and disinfect the counter. Discard gloves into the waste
the floats are dumped into the toilet or waste container container when finished.