Detection of Giardia lamblia antigen in stool specimens using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

The aim of this study in Iraq was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a commercial ELISA test for detection of Giardia lamblia antigen in stool. Of 84 stool samples from children in Duhok governorate, 42 were positive and 42 negative for G. lamblia or other parasites by direct and indirect microscopic examination. The sensitivity of the ELISA test for detection of G. lamblia versus microscopy was 76.4% and the specificity was 100%. We recommend using ELISA in epidemiological surveys in Iraq and to confirm the diagnosis in patients with typical clinical symptoms of giardiasis but negative results by direct microscopy.