Comparison of techniques for detecting antigens of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum in faeces

Abstract

Aim - To compare the use of commercial monoclonal antibody test systems - the Giardia CEL IF test and the Crypto CEL IF test - for the detection of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum antigens in faeces with conventional techniques. Methods - Sensitivity and specificity were evaluated using preparations of cysts of G lamblia and purified oocysts of C parvum. Evaluation of 59 random faecal samples passing through the Department of Clinical Parasitology, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, was carried out for both organisms. Results - The fluorescence staining techniques proved more sensitive than other tests routinely used for diagnosis.