In this study, our objective was to determine whether the microscopic examination of duodenal aspirates recovered during routine upper endoscopy in unselected, immunocompetent patients, would disclose unsuspected Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium.
Design: Prospective, cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of duodenal parasitosis.
Setting: Endoscopy unit in a university hospital.
Patients: One hundred and thirty-one unselected, immunocompetent patients undergoing upper endoscopy.
Measurements: Microscopic examination of duodenal aspirates, obtained during upper endoscopy. No pathogenic or commensal parasite was identified in any patient.
Conclusions: No case of unsuspected parasitosis was found in the present study. On the basis of our findings, we do not recommend routine collection of duodenal aspirates during upper endoscopy.