GIARDIA AND CRYPTOSPORIDIUM DIAGNOSTICS

Giardia lamblia is a binucleated flagellated protozoan parasite that infects the small intestine. Infection typically results in chronic debilitating diarrhea, weight loss, and malabsorption. Giardiasis may occur after drinking contaminated water.

Transmission also occurs by direct contact, especially with asymptomatic carriers and by food contamination. High risk categories include young children, immunocompromised patients, and those without previous exposure. More recently, giardiasis has been recognized as a sexually transmitted infection.

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite of vertebrates. It has been associated with diarrheal illness in most parts of the world and is a frequent cause of traveler’s diarrhea.

The disease is transmitted by the thick-walled oocyst, which is remarkably resistant to common disinfectants and routine chlorination of drinking water. Person-to-person transmission is common. Cryptosporidiosis is a serious opportunistic infection in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

Clinical manifestations include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. In healthy persons, the infection usually is self-limiting. In AIDS and immunosuppressed patients, the disease may be prolonged and may become life-threatening.