Specialized Diagnostics: Fluorescent Antibody Detection of Parasites in Faeces

Commercial test kits are available for the detection of Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts using a specific fluorescent-labeled antibody that attaches to the antigen on the cyst or oocyst wall.


Overview

Commercial test kits are available for the detection of Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts using a specific fluorescent-labeled antibody that attaches to the antigen on the cyst or oocyst wall. The effectiveness of this test for parasite detection is enhanced if the cysts and oocysts are first concentrated using a special flotation technique (sucrose gradient). The major disadvantage of the fluorescent antibody technique is that it requires a specialized microscope to detect the fluorescence.
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