PARASITOLOGY
Intestinal parasites are a common problem around the world. In the U.S., the principle intestinal parasites are Giardia and Cryptosporidium. In developing countries, these parasites and others such as Entamoeba histolytica are major healthcare problems. If these parasites are not accurately diagnosed, the patient may die from the infection or it may develop into a debilitating chronic intestinal infection. It is important that an accurate diagnosis be established. The overuse of antibiotics is one of the factors resulting in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant organisms. Therefore, it is important to use a test that is both sensitive and specific. TECHLAB® offers ELISAs for common intestinal parasites. Included are the GIARDIA II test and CRYPTOSPORIDIUM II. These are monoclonal antibody-based microwell ELISAs for detecting cyst-associated proteins produced by these parasites. We also offer E. HISTOLYTICA II test, which detects the lectin of this protozoan parasite. The lectin is the glycosylated protein that allows the trophozoite stage of the parasite to bind to our intestine. E. HISTOLYTICA II test is the only device available that specifically distinguishes patients infected with E. histolytica, the cause of amebic dysentery and amebic liver abscess, from those infected with the microscopically similar, but non-pathogenic E. dispar.
For more information, please select a diagnostic below:
PT5012 - GIARDIA II
PT5014 - CRYPTOSPORIDIUM II
T5017 - E. HISTOLYTICA II
T5031 - GIARDIA/CRYPTOSPORIDIUM CHEK®
General parasitology information:
Publication
Detection of Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar, and Cryptosporidium
parvum Antigens in Human Fecal Specimens Using the Triage Parasite Panel Enzyme Immunoassay
Journal of Clinical Microbiology, September 2000
Publication
Comparison of Nine Commercially Available Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays for Detection of Giardia lamblia in
Fecal Specimens
Journal of Clinical Microbiology, May 1998
Publication
Evaluation of Nine Immunoassay Kits (Enzyme Immunoassay and Direct Fluorescence) for Detection
of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum in Human Fecal Specimens
Journal of Clinical Microbiology, June 1997