Copro-antigen detection versus direct methods for the diagnosis of Giardia lamblia in patients from the National Liver Institute

J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2009 Aug;39(2):575-83.

Abstract

In this study a commercially available immunoenzymatic assay to detect G. lamblia specific copro-antigen was evaluated. A total of 90 stool samples were tested. Diagnosis of giardiasis by ELISA for copro-Ag detection was positive in 46 (51.1%) patients whereas by direct stool analysis after formol ether concentration G. lamblia was detected in 38 (42.2%) patients only. ELISA technique for detection of Giardia copro-antigen had a sensitivity of 97.3% and a specificity of 82.6% with PPV of 80.4% and a NPV of 97.7%.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Protozoan / immunology*
  • Antigens, Protozoan / isolation & purification
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / methods*
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Giardia lamblia / immunology*
  • Giardiasis / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antigens, Protozoan