Giardia intestinalis nowadays is recognized as the most common parasitological cause of diarrhea, with 280 million infections per year. Microscopic examination of faecal samples has the advantage of low cost and the ability to simultaneously identify other parasitic infections. However, analysis of single stool sample and the skill of the microscopist can affect the accuracy of detection.As an attempt to improve the sensitivity of laboratory diagnosis of giardiasis, the present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of different parasitological techniques (Mini Parasep, MIFC and direct smear) and to evaluate a novel antigen capture immunoassays based on IgG polyclonal antibody conjugated with nanoparticles (Nano graphene based Sandwich ELISA and Dot-ELISA) for detection of Giardia antigen in stool samples. A total of 96 human stool samples were collected and classified into three groups according to stool examination results, (GI), 61 Giardia infected patients, (GII), 20 samples collected from patients infected with other parasites and (G III), 15 healthy individuals (negative control).In the current study, Giardia antigen detection was carried out by several steps including preparation of Giardia antigen, production, purification and labeling of rabbit anti-Giardia IgG polyclonal antibodies.
Blastocystis is a polymorphic enteric parasite with a worldwide distribution. It is one of the most common human intestinal protozoans in developing countries. The primary objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of microscopy, stool culture, and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for assessment of Blastocystis prevalence and risk factors. Human stool samples were collected from 110 individuals from Dakahlia governorate, Egypt as a part of a routine check-up or having gastrointestinal tract (GIT) symptoms. These samples were subjected to direct fecal smear microscopy, culture, and PCR for the detection of Blastocystis sp. Positive results for Blastocystis screening among the study population were 36 (32.7%), 41 (37.3%), and 43 (39.1%) by microscopy, PCR, and culture, respectively. Statistical analyses demonstrated that the agreement between the culture and PCR was perfect (Κ=0.925). Compared to culture, the sensitivity of PCR was 95% and the specificity was 97% while the sensitivity of microscopy was 84% and the specificity was 90.5%. We concluded that the in vitro culture and molecular assay have significant diagnostic value for the accurate detection and identification of Blastocystis in stool samples. The pathogenic potential of Blastocystis cannot be ruled out because our results found a link between Blastocystis carriage and gastrointestinal symptoms.
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