Evaluation of lacto-phenol cotton blue (LPCB) for detection of Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora and Isospora in the wet mount preparation of stool

Lacto-phenol cotton blue (LPCB) was found to be a useful stain for detection of Cyclospora and Isospora oocysts in direct wet mounts of stool. LPCB stained these parasites blue, and differentiated their internal structures clearly, thereby facilitating detection and accurate identification of these parasites. However, the LPCB staining was not found useful in the identification of Cryptosporidium. The LPCB wet mount is recommended for use in the laboratories where acid-fast staining is not performed routinely, such as in a peripheral laboratory or in a rural health centre in the developing countries.