Diagnosis of Parasitic Infections

Identification may be by gross examination for adult helminths or, more commonly, by microscopic examination for protozoa, helminth eggs, and larvae. The diagnostic forms of some parasites, such as the eggs of Ascaris spp., are present on a regular basis. Other forms, such as malaria parasites, Taenia eggs, or Giardia cysts, vary from day to day. 

Most immunodiagnostic tests used today for parasitic infections detect antibody. In recent years, the sensitivity and specificity of many such tests have improved. A number of antigen detection tests have recently been described and show promise, but none of these tests are currently available commercially. 

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