Is giardiasis caused by fungi?

It’s caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia lamblia. Giardiasis spreads through contact with infected people. And you can get giardiasis by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.

How is giardiasis detected in stools?

To help diagnose giardia infection (giardiasis), your doctor is likely to test a sample of your stool. For accuracy, you may be asked to submit several stool samples collected over a period of days. The samples are then examined in a lab for the presence of parasites.

Will a stool sample show Giardia?

Results. If a giardia infection is present, the parasite or its cysts can be seen when the stool is looked at under a microscope. Evaluating 3 stool samples detects up to 90% of Giardia lamblia infections.

What does a positive Giardia antigen test mean?

A test that detects Giardia antigens (positive result) means that the person has giardiasis. If the infected person does not have symptoms of infection, he or she may be a carrier or have a chronic infection.

Is giardiasis a virus or bacteria?

Giardiasis is an intestinal infection in humans and animals, caused by a microscopic protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. intestinalis or G. lamblia). “Giardia is not a “worm”, bacteria or virus.”

What disease does Giardia cause?

Giardia is a tiny parasite (germ) that causes the diarrheal disease giardiasis. Giardia is found on surfaces or in soil, food, or water that has been contaminated with feces (poop) from infected people or animals. You can get giardiasis if you swallow Giardia germs.

What is the best test for Giardia?

Microscopy with direct fluorescent antibody testing (DFA) is considered the test of choice for diagnosis of giardiasis since it provides increased sensitivity over non-fluorescent microscopy techniques. Other alternate methods for detection include: Rapid immunochromatographic cartridge assays.

How accurate is Giardia test?

All tests were highly specific. IDEXX SNAP Giardia® showed the highest specificity (99.6%) and qPCR the lowest (85.6%). The sensitivities were much more variable, with qPCR showing the highest (97.0%) and CSF the lowest (48.2%) sensitivity.

How accurate is stool test for Giardia?

Stool O&P testing aids in the diagnosis of giardiasis in 80-85% of patients.

How accurate is the Giardia antigen test?

A positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) indicates the presence in a fecal specimen of Giardia antigens. As per the manufacturer, the assay has a sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 97%, and a positive predictive value of 95%.

How do you read Giardia test results?

What does a SNAP Giardia Test result indicate? To determine the test result, read the reaction spots in the result window. If color on the Giardia sample spot is darker than the color on the negative control spot, then Giardia antigen is present.