Giardia PCR test for dogs and cats
dog and cat assay data sheet
Giardia
Test code:
X0017 - Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of
Giardia by real time PCR
X0017 is included
on P0022 - canine diarrhea panel, on P0028 - feline diarrhea panel
and on
P0041
- waterborne pathogens 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. A few
percent of dogs and cats will carry
Giardia organisms but
appear healthy with no signs of disease. These carriers have a high
potential for spreading the parasite. Infected cats and dogs can
develop diarrhea, bloody or mucous stool, often accompanied by gas
production. Infected pups and kittens 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 contact. Clinical signs in humans are similar to those reported for
dogs and cats. 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 low, leading to 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
-
Shorten the time required to confirm a clinical
diagnosis of Giardia
infection
-
Help ensure that animal groups are free of
Giardia
-
Early prevention of spread of
Giardia between
animals
-
Minimize human exposure to
Giardia
Specimen
requirement: 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
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