Intestinal and Urogenital Amebae, Flagellates, and Ciliates

Abstract

Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia duodenalis infections are two of the most common protozoal infections seen worldwide and are of serious concern on a global scale due to their prevalence and the pathogenicity of these causative agents. Microscopic examination of stool specimens continues to be one of the main tools used in the laboratory diagnosis of intestinal amebic, flagellate, and ciliate infections. Antigen detection methods such as enzyme immunoassays, immunochromatographic assays, and direct fluorescent‐antibody assays are available for the detection of pathogens such as the E. histolytica / Entamoeba dispar group, E. histolytica , Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis . One of the most important developments related to the molecular detection of parasites is the advent of panels for detection of multiple agents of gastrointestinal disease, including combinations of bacterial, viral, and parasitic agents.