Antigen and Antibody Detection

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Intestinal Protozoan Parasites. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Antigen and Antibody Detection

Several techniques and kits, including those described in Table 3, are available to detect parasitic antigens in stool specimens.
Table 3. Techniques for Parasitic Antigen Detection.
Antigen Detection MethodA Few Examples of Organisms Diagnosed
Enzyme immunoassay (EIA)Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia sp., Entamoeba histolytica/ Entamoeba dispar group
Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia sp.
Rapid antigen testCryptosporidium spp., Giardia sp., Entamoeba histolytica /Entamoeba dispar group)
Whereas detection of parasite antigens in the stool is commonly done, antibody detection from blood (serodiagnosis) is not as widely performed, especially for parasites in the stool. Antibody detection is frequently done for other parasites such as Toxoplasma (found in tissues).