[Parasitic diarrheas]

The role of parasites as etiologic agents in diarrhoea is emphasized. In countries of Western Europe, Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia are the most prevalent species, although some other 20 protozoans and helminths may lead to diarrhoeic disturbances. Parasitology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, and therapy are briefly outlined. The need for competence on the part of the personnel responsible for laboratory diagnosis is emphasized; also, newly developed immunodiagnostic methods may render appreciable services in doubtful cases. Adequate therapy yields successful results in over 90% of the cases.