Evaluation of elisa of fecal specimens in the diagnosis of giardiasis in children

ABSTRACT

Evaluation of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] as an indirect method for detection of giardia lamblia antigen in feces of children suffering symptoms suggestive of giardiasis. the stool of 200 children, with symptoms suggestive of giardiasis, were examined by ELISA and direct immunofluorescent microscopy [DIFM]; 127-were males and 73 were females, of ages ranging from 2 to 15 years [X +/- SD, 9.5 +/- 6.8 years]. proved that there is no predilection of giardia infection to particular age or sex. Abdominal discomfort- in the form of abdominal cramps, flatulence, and /or bloating-, chronic relapsing diarrhea, anorexia, and pallor represented the most common presenting symptoms of giardiasis. ELISA of stools, for giardia antigen, proved to be not only sensitive, but specific for the diagnosis of giardiasis in symptomatic children. So we recommend the use of this non-invasive test in the diagnosis and screening of giardiasis in children