environmental, wildlife and zoo assay data sheet
Giardia
Test code:
X0017 - Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of
Giardia by real
time polymerase chain reaction
Test X0017 is
included in
P0041
- waterborne pathogens screening panel
and in P0047 - ruminant fecal
screening panel
Giardia
is a parasitic protozoan commonly found in the intestines of
many animals, including cats, dogs, birds, horses, primates and
other wildlife. This microscopic parasite clings to the surface
of the intestine or floats free in the mucous lining the
intestine. Some animals will carry
Giardia organisms
but appear healthy with no signs of disease. These carriers have
a high potential for spreading the parasite. Infected animals
can develop diarrhea, bloody or mucous stool, often accompanied
by gas production. Infected young animals are especially likely
to show these symptoms, and their health can be significantly
affected. Previously low grade
Giardia infestations
can flare up into significant disease in animals of any age that
are malnourished, stressed or undergoing strenuous physical
activity.
Giardia
infection in pets may result in infection of humans with whom
they are in close contact. Clinical signs in humans are similar
to those reported for other animals. Immunocompromised
individuals such as AIDS or cancer patients are especially
susceptible to infection. It is thus important to routinely
screen these patients’ pets for
Giardia.
Traditionally, fecal samples were examined for
Giardia cysts under
the microscope. This method is simple but its sensitivity is
very low, leading to many false negative results. Even special
staining and stringent specimen handling requirements do not
result in adequate detection rates. However, specimen handling
requirements for PCR detection of
Giardia are less
stringent than for other testing methods.
Utilities:
-
Help confirm the disease causing agent
-
Help ensure that animal groups or populations are free of
Giardia
-
Early prevention of spread of
Giardia among an
animal group or population
-
Minimize human exposure to
Giardia
Specimen requirements: 0.2 ml feces, or rectal swab.
Contact Zoologix if advice is needed to determine an appropriate specimen type for a specific diagnostic application. For specimen types not listed here, please contact Zoologix to confirm specimen acceptability and shipping instructions.
For all
specimen types, if there will be a delay in shipping, or during
very warm weather, refrigerate specimens until shipped and ship
with a cold pack unless more stringent shipping requirements are
specified. Frozen specimens should be shipped so as to remain
frozen in transit. See shipping
instructions for more information.
Turnaround time:
2 business days
Methodology:
Qualitative
real time PCR
Normal range:
Nondetected