Comparison of diagnostic microscopy with direct fluorescent assay and flotation methods for detecting Giardia lambliain stool samples

Abstract

AbstractThere is an increasing demand for diagnostic testing for Giardia intestinalis (G. lamblia) ,with a priority beingplaced on obtaining diagnostic results in an efficient and timely manner. Several commercial companies havedeveloped rapid diagnostic tests that are simple to perform and can be completed in less time than traditionalmethods for detecting Giardia lamblia. We compared one of these rapid tests, MERIFLUOR direct fluorescentantibody (DFA) test, and zinc sulphate flotation technique with microscopy of direct double wet preparationson310 stool samples, taken from children below 12 years in Kirkuk city from 1 st December 2012 to 30th of June2013. The all rate of intestinal parasitic infections was 51.93 % that divided into 42.58 % and 9.35 % forprotozoan and helminthic infections respectively. Giardia lamblia rate 20.32 % was the highest rate amongprotozoan infections P<0.05ِ.According to gender the rate of giardiasis among males 27.92 % was higher than16.08%in females P<0.05.While according to age of the patients, statistically the differences among the ageswere not significant P>0.05, but correlation age with the gender high rate of giardiasis14.41 % and 7.2 % wererecorded in males aging from 7 to8 years and from 11 to 12 years respectively , P<0.05. For detection of Giardialamblia, the differences in sensitivities, specificities and accuracy of three methods were not significant P>0.05,but when comparing these elements alone, direct microscopy have had significant differences on other twomethods. Statistical analyses reveal significant differences in Positive Predictive Values (PPV) among threeemployed methods P<0.05, While Negative Predictive Values (NPV) analyses were not significant P>0.05.