Guess What Came to Dinner? by Ann Louise Gittleman Ph.D. CNS

Author:Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., CNS [Gittleman, Ann Louise]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781101662496
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2001-07-09T00:00:00+00:00

But two groundbreaking findings are giving diagnosis of parasite infection a promising turn. The first exciting work is being done at Stanford University School of Medicine. Scientists there have been using computers not only to study the DNA of several parasitic species but to genetically fingerprint them. Their intent is to more easily define the type of infection an individual has, in an effort to better outline the mode of treatment required. Complementing that technology, scientists at Berkley are planning to manufacture what they call a “lab on a chip” that will contain these genetic fingerprints. Once achieved, physicians everywhere will have the data readily available for use on their office PCs.

The second important discovery is a stool antigen test. I’ve already shared with you how tricky it can be to detect the presence of Entamoeba histolytica, giardia, or cryptosporidium infections. Once these parasites stop shedding (after seven weeks in the case of E. histolytica), they can no longer be detected accurately. In fact, chronic cases sometimes produce a false negative stool exam. This new testing method is considered to be one of the most accurate methods available in determining pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica, giardia, and cryptosporidium infections. Using an immunofluorescent staining technique, this breakthrough method can detect the protein shell fragments of the actual parasite, normally not visible microscopically. It is, however, not an especially pleasant method of testing. So unless you’re really determined, I would first suggest having a salivary GI test to determine the presence of Entamoeba histolytica. The salivary test (listed under the following Clinical Test section) may be particularly helpful during that non-shedding stage mentioned earlier.

Even with all these new findings, common sense would dictate that we use a variety of methods to confirm the suspected parasitic invaders present in the body.

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