Comparison of microscopy, Triage and ELISA methods in diagnosis of Entamoeba histoloytica/Entamoeba dispar, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium sp.

Amebiasis is a significant health problem in developing countries. Human beings are infected by two morphologically identical species of Entamoeba. Entamoeba histoloytica causes amebic colitis and liver abscess, and Entamoeba dispar is nonpathogen. Giardia lamblia infection is seen worldwide and in all age groups. But giardiasis is especially prevalent in countries with poor sanitation and unsafe water, where it's responsible for most cases of childhood diarrhea. Cryptosporidium sp. , a protozoon, is an obligate intracellular parasite which can cause fatal diarrheal disease in immunocompromised individuals.Generally, the diagnosis of human intestinal protozoa depends on microscopic detection. Microscopic detection is inexpensive, but it is very labor-intensive and requires a skilled microscopist. Antigen detection methods can be performed quickly and do not require an experienced and skilled microscopist. In this study, we aimed to comparison of microscopy and antigen detection methods in the diagnosis of Entamoeba histoloytica/ Entamoeba dispar, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium sp.In this study, 94 suspected stool specimens taken from patients to Department of Parasitology, Balcali Hospital of Cukurova University in Adana were investigated for E.histolytica/ E. dispar, G.lamblia and Cryptosporodium sp. by direct microscopy, ELISA and Triage, between May 2010 and April 2011.In conclusion, the number of positive specimens by direct microscopy and by ELISA results were as follows: for E.histolytica/ E.dispar 4 (4.3%) and 5 (5.3%), for G. lamblia 12 (12.8%) and 13 (13.8%), for Cryptosporodium sp. 5 (5.3%) and 10 (10.6%). Also, ten specimens (10.6%) were found to be positive by Triage parasite panel for Giardia lamblia.In conclusion, although ELISA which investigates specific antigen in stool samples is a costly method, it has been seen that it helps to methods for diagnosis of agents.Key words: Cryptosporodium sp., direct microscopy, ELISA, Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar, Giardia lamblia.