QRT-PCR is a Highly Sensitive, Highly Specific Diagnostic Adjunct to H&E Microscopy to Detect Giardia Using Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue

Giardia spp. are single-celled protozoan organisms that parasitize the upper small intestine in humans. In some cases, patients may manifest little to no clinical symptoms. In other instances, severe diarrhea and malabsorption may ensue, prompting medical attention. Risk factors for infection include travel to endemic areas, daycare, exposure to contaminated water, outdoor recreational activity, and men who have sex with men [17]. The differential diagnoses in these cases may include a myriad of noninfectious etiologies including adverse reactions to medications, food intolerance, microscopic colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Infectious causes may include numerous viral or bacterial organisms as well as parasites.