Detection of giardia antigen in stool samples by a semi-quantitative enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test.

A semi-quantitative enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test for the detection of Giardia intestinalis antigen in faeces was developed. In order to avoid unspecific reactions due to anticalf serum activity, IgG fractions of anti-giardia rabbit and sheep sera were purified from antibovine antibodies by immunoadsorption. Faecal specimens tested in the assay were mixed with normal horse serum to avoid unspecific and proteolytic effects of stool components.