For a single stool sample, antigen detection tests (using Enzyme Immunoassay - EIA or Immunochromatographic assays) generally have higher sensitivity than a single routine microscopic examination. This is because cyst shedding can be intermittent, and a single wet mount or concentrate might miss a low-level infection. Antigen tests detect specific Giardia proteins (e.g., GSA-65) shed in the stool, which are present even if whole cysts are not seen in that particular sample. Their sensitivity is reported to be 85-98% per sample, compared to 50-70% for a single microscopic exam. PCR is even more sensitive but is more expensive and not always routinely available. The 'gold standard' for sensitivity often involves testing multiple samples (three stools on separate days) by microscopy, but for a single sample, antigen testing is superior.

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Zambia

• Joseph Soko – 101 pts

• Visual Pathway Lesions
• Positive and Negative Symptoms
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Emergency: Environmental Emergencies