Preliminary evaluation of the Newton Microscope completed in Uganda

Dr. J. Russell Stothard

World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Schistosomiasis
Honorary Secretary, Royal Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene

The Newton prototype was evaluated in an African health centre in Bugiogo, Western Uganda, in an area endemic for intestinal schistosomiasis and malaria. A variety of Kato-Katz slides prepared on site containing helminth eggs were viewed, as well as, thick and thin blood smears for malaria. At the sametime an orginal MacArthur microscope and table-top microscope was used for comparison(s).

At x100, x400 and x600 magnification, helminth eggs could be readily easily seen and the image quality of the Newton was excellent allowing identification of helminth eggs with confidence (Schistosoma mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm). Using 20 reference Kato-Katz slides and 3 independent microscopists, it was found that the sensitivity of the MHM was circa. 85% with specificity of 100% for detection of intestinal schistosomiasis.

The slightly lower sensitivity of this prototype was resultant from poor movement control of the glass slide; having an indexing x-y positioning system would immediately ameliorate this lack of precision and is featured in other prototypes. Parasites of Plasmodium were readily seen in thick and thin blood films but it was not possible to identify parasite to species level at x600 magnification. Nevertheless, the ability to see Plasmodium parasites is an essential step in management of patient fevers with a confirmation of active malaria."

Note: In production the Newton will be provided with an optional X/Y mechanical stage and, for the highest magnification, the option of either 60x, or 100x (OI) objectives.
The Newton Microscope

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Extremely compact, the Newton offers magnifications of 100x - 900x and (optionally) 1000x (Oil) 
Dimensions: 160 x 120 x 45 mm  Wt. 480 gms.

Left - The Newton microscope on trial at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

Equipped with indexing stages and 100x oil objectives, they are being used to detect malaria