Entamoeba histolytica is an anaerobic parasitic amoebozoan, part of the genus Entamoeba.1Predominantly infecting humans and other primates causing amoebiasis, E. histolyticais estimated to infect about 50 million people worldwide.

Previously, it was thought that 10% of the world population was infected, but these figures predate the recognition that at least 90% of these infections were due to a second species, E. dispar.2 Mammals such as dogs and cats can become infected transiently, but are not thought to contribute significantly to transmission. E.histolytica, as its name suggests (histolytic= tissue destroying), is pathogenic; infection can be asymptomatic or can lead to amoebic dysentery or amoebic liver abscess.1,3

Giardia lamblia is the most common protozoa known to be responsible for one of the main causes of severe diarrhoea in humans, particularly in immunedepressed people. Epidemiological studies, in 1991, showed that infections with Giardia increased in the United States with a prevalence of around 6% on 178,000 samples.4 Generally, the disease passes through a short acute phase followed by a chronic phase. Infection by G. Lamblia, in the acute phase, is the cause of watery diarrhoea with principally the elimination of trophozoites. The feces become normal again, during the chronic phase, with transient emissions of cysts.5

The presence of the parasite on the wall of the duodenal epithelium is responsible for a malabsorption. The disappearance of villosities and their atrophy lead to problems with the digestive process at the level of the duodenum and the jejunum, followed by weight loss and dehydration. The majority of infections remain asymptomatic, however. The diagnosis of G. Lamblia is carried out under microscopy after flotation on zinc sulphate or by direct or indirect immunofluorescence, on non-concentrated samples displayed on a slide.6 More and more ELISA methods are also now available for the specific detection of cysts and/or trophozoïtes. Detection of this parasite in surface or distribution water can be undertaken by PCR type techniques.7The test is based on the detection of a 65-kDA coproantigen, a glycoprotein that is present in the cysts and trophozoites of G. Lamblia.

Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrhoeal disease caused by microscopic parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium. Once an animal or person is infected, the parasite lives in the intestine and passes in the feces. The parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time and makes it very resistant to chlorine-based disinfectants. Both the disease and the parasite are commonly known as ''Crypto.'' The disease can spread through ingestion of contaminated water or through coughed fomites of an infected individual.8,9 It can spread by fecal-oral route like other gastrointestinal pathogens.

 

 

【DIRECTIONS FOR USE】

Allow the test cassette, specimen, buffer and/or controls to reach room temperature (15-30°C) prior to testing.

1. To collect fecal specimens:

Collect sufficient quantity of feces (1-2mL or 1-2g) in a clean, dry specimen collection container to obtain enough pathogens. Best results will be obtained if the assay is performed within 6 hours after collection. Specimen collected may be stored for 3 days at 2-8°C if not tested within 6 hours. For long term storage, specimens should be kept below -20°C.

2 To process fecal specimens:

For Solid Specimens:

Unscrew the cap of the specimen collection tube, then randomly stab the specimen collection applicator into the fecal specimen at least 3 different sites to collect approximately 50 mg of feces (equivalent to 1/4 of a pea). Do not scoop the fecal specimen.

For Liquid Specimens:

Hold the dropper vertically, aspirate fecal specimens, and then transfer 2 drops of the liquid specimen (approximately 80 µL) into each specimen collection tube containing the extraction buffer.

3.Tighten the cap onto the specimen collection tube, then shake the specimen collection tube vigorously to mix the specimen and the extraction buffer. Leave the collection tube for reaction for 2 minutes.

4.Bring the pouch to room temperature before opening it. Remove the test cassette from the foil pouch and use it as soon as possible. Best results will be obtained if the test is performed immediately after opening the foil pouch.

5.Hold the specimen collection tube upright and unscrew the tip of the specimen collection tube. Invert the specimen collection tube and transfer 3 full drops of the extracted specimen (approximately 120uL) to each specimenwell (S) of the test cassette, then start the timer. Avoid trapping air bubbles in the specimen well (S). See illustration below.

6.Read the results at 10 minutes after dispensing the specimen. Do not read results after 20 minutes.

Note: If the specimen does not migrate (presence of particles), centrifuge the diluted sample contained in the extraction buffer vial. Collect 120 µL of supernatant, dispense into the specimen well (S) of a new cassette. Start the timer and continue from step 6 onwards in the above instructions for use.

 

 

Cat. No.	Product Description	Specimen	Format	Kit Size	Cut-Off	Status
IEGC-635	Entamoeba/Giardia/Crypto Combo Rapid Test Cassette (3 Windows)	Feces	Cassette	10T	See Insert	CE