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 cryptosporidios is transmitted, diagnosed and treated on our Articles page.

The IVD Giardia/Cryptosporidium Combo Stool Antigen Detection Microwell ELISA test kit provides accurate, reliable and simultaneous detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium antigens in human stool samples. In the past, Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections were diagnosed by direct detection, through the use of a microscope. To be effective, this method required experienced technicians, who have historically been difficult and costly to find and train. The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for stool samples was developed as an alternative, more precise way to detect and diagnose Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections. ELISAs have been shown to be as accurate as microscopic examinations by experienced laboratory technicians; in addition, they are easy to perform and require no specialized training.

The IVD Giardia/Cryptosporidium Combo Stool Antigen Detection Microwell ELISA test is performed in four steps (three incubation periods and a stop solution):

  • The first incubation: In this step, antibodies attached to the kit microwells capture Giardia and/or Cryptosporidium specific antigens present in the stool sample; a washing step removes any unbound samples.
  • The second incubation: This step adds an anti-Giardia and an anti-Cryptosporidium antibody conjugated to horseradish peroxidase, which “sandwiches” any antigen bound to the microwells; a washing step removes any unbound conjugate.
  • The third incubation: This step adds a chromogen, which turns blue in the presence of the enzyme complex and peroxide.
  • The addition of a stop solution: This ends the chemical reaction and turns the blue to yellow in the presence of Giardia and/or Cryptosporidium antigens. If no antigen is captured, or if there is an insufficient antigen level, the solution will remain colorless.

Each test kit contains 96 wells and has up to a 12-month shelf life. Test kits should be stored between 2-8 ˚C. Please contact us for pricing and availability.