ABSTRACT
The aim of this study in Iraq was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a commercial ELISA test for detection of Giardia lamblia antigen in stool. Of 84 stool samples from children in Duhok governorate, 42 were positive and 42 negative for G. lamblia or other parasites by direct and indirect microscopic examination. The sensitivity of the ELISA test for detection of G. lamblia versus microscopy was 76.4% and the specificity was 100%. We recommend using ELISA in epidemiological surveys in Iraq and to confirm the diagnosis in patients with typical clinical symptoms of giardiasis but negative results by direct microscopy
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Infant , Child, Preschool , Child , Adolescent , Giardiasis/diagnosis , Antigens, Protozoan , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Sensitivity and Specificity , Feces/analysisABSTRACT
Out of 1261 stool specimens collected from children in Dohuk city, northern Iraq, the prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection was 38.5%. The highest rate of infection was in orphan care centres [48.1%] and the lowest in the paediatric hospital [31.3%]. The age group 10- 12 years had the highest rate [81.2%] and 7- 9 years the lowest [22.9%]; boys had a higher rate than girls. Some infected samples [70/ 486] showed double or triple infections and G. lamblia was combined with Hymenolepis nana, Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba histolytica and Iodamoeba buetschlii