Giardiasis laboratory findings

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

While most sources suggest that commonly used tests for giardia are unreliable, a new immunologic test referred to as ELISA, for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay are now available. These tests are capable of a 90 percent detection rate or more.

Laboratory Findings

Tests that may be done include:

• Enteroscopy
• Stool antigen test to check for Giardia
• Stool ova and parasites exam
• String test (rarely performed)

Microscopy

This picture shows multiple views of a single Giardia lamblia (intestinalis) cyst as imaged at different instrument settings by confocal microscopy.Bar = 10 micrometres.
(A) is the cyst imaged by transmission (differential interference contrast), only.
(B) is the cyst wall selectively imaged through use of fluorescent-labelled (TRITC) antibody that is cyst wall specific.
(C) is the cyst imaged through use of carboxy fluorescein diacetate, a viability stain.
(D) is a composite image of (B) and (C).
(E) is a composite image of (A), (B), and (C).

Under a normal compound light microscope, Giardia often looks like a "clown face," with two nuclei outlined by adhesive discs above dark median bodies that form the "mouth." Cysts have four nuclei.