Giardiasis - Diagnosis

Diagnosis

• The mainstay of diagnosis of giardiasis is stool microscopy. This can be for motile trophozoites or for the distinctive oval G.lambliacysts.

• The entero-test uses a gelatin capsule with an attached thread. One end is attached to the inner aspect of the patient's cheek, and the capsule is swallowed. Later, the thread is withdrawn and shaken in saline to release trophozoites which can be detected microscopically.

• A new immunologic test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), is now available. These tests are capable of a 90% detection rate or more.

• Because Giardia lamblia is difficult to detect, often leading to misdiagnoses, several tests should be conducted over a one-week period.