Thermo Scientific Limited has now extended its wide range of diagnostic tests to include products for the detection of significant intestinal parasites, namely Giardia species, Cryptosporidium species and Entamoeba histolytica.

The Remel range of ProSpect® ELISA assays for the direct detection of these enteric pathogens from faecal specimens is now available from Thermo Scientific. The range includes assays for Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Entamoeba histolytica and a Cryptosporidium/Giardia dual assay. With excellent sensitivity and specificity, the tests are not dependent on the presence of live organisms but detect antigen produced by the parasites within the gut. The simple and convenient method can be completed within 2 hours. Each assay in the ProSpect® range (including bacteriology and virology products) uses the same procedure and reagents, allowing several strips for different pathogens to be set up and run simultaneously. All incubations are at room temperature and results can be read visually or spectrophotometrically.

In addition, Thermo Scientific offers the Remel Xpect™ range of rapid lateral flow tests for the direct detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia from faecal specimens - Xpect™ Giardia, Xpect™ Cryptosporidium and Xpect™ Giardia/Cryptosporidium (dual assay). With results in just 15 minute, the speed, accuracy and ease-of-use of the Xpect™ range allows even the smallest laboratory to offer parasitology testing and is ideal for STAT testing in larger laboratories.

Notes:
Giardia intestinalis is the most commonly detected protozoan parasite in the world and is found in both temperate and tropical regions. Its prevalence is particularly high in children under 10 years, peaking in summer and early autumn. It can be treated with metronidazole.

Cryptosporidium parvum is another common protozoan parasite and a leading cause of infectious diarrhoea, which is found in developed as well as less developed countries. It is resistant to chlorine and there is no treatment for this parasite other than supportive therapy until the symptoms resolve.

Entamoeba histolytica is a significant cause of disease worldwide and together with E. dispar (non-pathogenic strain) infects about 10% of the world's population and is responsible for some 100,000 deaths each year. It can remain in the gut for as long as a year and can cause amoebic dysentery.