Giardiasis, caused by the single-celled Giardia lambliaparasite, is the most common parasitic disease in the United States. As many as 100 million mild infections and 1 million severe infections are reported annually.
The disease 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.
Daycare centers make up one of the main sources of Giardia infection in the United States; studies show that daycares may be directly or indirectly responsible for up to 45% of diagnosed Giardia infections. Contaminated drinking water makes up another major source of infection.
The IVD Giardia Stool Antigen Detection Microwell ELISA test kit provides accurate, reliable detection of giardia antigens in human stool samples. In the past, Giardia infection was 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 infection. 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 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-specific antigens present in the stool sample; a washing step removes any unbound samples.
- The second incubation: This step adds an anti-Giardia 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 antigen. 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.