[Informative value of methods for laboratory diagnosis of Giardia infection]

The author assesses the informative value of two methods of laboratory diagnosis of L. intestinalis: serological assay using indirect immunofluorescence versus fecal Giardia antigen test using the immunochromatographic RIDA Quick Giardia test system. The results of these procedures were compared with those of fecal microscopy. The serological approach to diagnosing Giardia infection was found to be of low informative value. There is evidence suggesting the high specificity and sensitivity of detection of Giardia antibody in the feces, which allows it to be recommended in parasitological laboratory. It has been established that fecal prestorage in the Turdyev preservative can reduce the sensitivity of the RIDA Quick Giardia test system at the low concentration of parasitic cysts in the material being examined.