Cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are two of the most common intestinal infections worldwide. Caused by single-cell parasites (the Cryptosporidium parasite and the Giardia parasite), these diseases can cause diarrhea, nausea and abdominal discomfort, and weight loss.

Cryptosporidium can be found in every region of the United States and throughout the world. The disease causes diarrhea, ranging from mild to severe; in people with compromised immune systems, infection can lead to severe and even life-threatening complications. Cryptosporidium infection can spread through multiple channels, including animal-to-human, person-to-person, and through water; the parasite is a leading causes of waterborne disease outbreaks linked to recreational water like pools.

Giardia infection spreads through the fecal-oral route, when Giardia cysts are released through infected feces and then ingested. Giardiasis can present with mild or acute symptoms and can also be asymptomatic (causing no symptoms at all). Acute symptoms of giardiasis include diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, weight loss, and anemia. If untreated or chronic, Giardia infection can lead to a decrease in nutrient absorption and damage to the intestinal lining.

Read more about how cryptosporidiosisis transmitted, diagnosed and treated on our Articles page.

The IVD Giardia/Cryptosporidium Fecal Direct Fluorescent Antigen (DFA) test kit provides accurate, reliable and simultaneous detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium parasites in stool samples.

The IVD Giardia/Cryptosporidium Fecal Direct Fluorescent Antigen (DFA)test utilizes direct immunofluorescence and consists of four steps:

  • In the first step, a preserved stool sample is dried onto a treated microscope slide.
  • In the second step, a conjugate containing antibodies directed against Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts as well as a counterstain is added to the slide and incubated for 30 minutes.
  • In the third step, the slide is rinsed to remove any excess conjugate and counterstain and allowed to dry.
  • In the fourth step, a mounting media is added, followed by a coverslip, and then the slide is examined under a fluorescent microscope to detect any apple-green coloring and characteristic morphology of the Giardia and/or the Cryptosporidium parasite.

This DFA kit carries a 510(K) clearance and can be sold within the United States. Each kit contains 75 tests and has up to a 20-month shelf life. Test kits should be stored between 2-8 ˚C.Please contact us for pricing and availability.