Abstract
To detect anti-Giardia lamblia serum antibodies in healthy children attending public day care centers and to assess serological tests as tools for estimating the prevalence of G. lamblia in endemic areas. Three separate stool specimens and filter paper blood samples were collected from 147 children ranging from 0 to 6 years old. Each stool sample was processed using spontaneous sedimentation and zinc sulfate flotation methods. Blood samples were tested by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Giardia IgG. Of 147 individuals tested, 93 (63.3%) showed Giardia cysts in their feces. Using IIF and ELISA, serum antibodies were detected in 93 (63.3%) and 100 (68%) samples, respectively. Sensitivity of IIF and ELISA was 82% and 72%, respectively. However, ELISA revealed to be less specific (39%) than IIF (70%). IIF also showed a higher concordance with microscopic examination than ELISA.
Highlights
Giardia lamblia is a common human intestinal parasite of worldwide distribution found in both developed and developing countries
Microscopic examination of stool samples obtained from 147 children revealed that 93 (63.3%) were infected with G. lamblia
Though high prevalence rates of G. lamblia infection have been found in children of endemic areas, there are few serologic studies in these groups
Summary
Giardia lamblia is a common human intestinal parasite of worldwide distribution found in both developed and developing countries. Giardia infection is usually diagnosed under light microscopy to identify either trophozoites or cysts in feces samples. The examination of Giardia is performed in a single stool sample. As this parasite presents a variable pattern of excretion, misdiagnoses have been common and the actual prevalence may be underestimated. Microscopy examination of duodenal aspirate and jejunal biopsies is sometimes necessary. Since these two methods are invasive, they are rarely employed in children
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