COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 279
A study in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
demonstrated that even asymptomatic parasitic infections can
be associated with subtle changes in immune function and
increased inflammatory markers [25].
Comprehensive Assessment Approaches
Conventional Diagnostic Methods
Standard Ova and Parasite (O&P) Examination
Traditional microscopic examination of stool samples has been the
mainstay of parasitological diagnosis for decades. While
accessible, this method has significant limitations:
● Sensitivity: Detection rates as low as 30-50% for a single
sample due to intermittent shedding of organisms [26].
● Technician Dependency: Requires skilled microscopy and
may miss low-burden infections.
● Preparation Effect: Preservation techniques can affect
organism morphology and detectability.
To improve sensitivity, conventional protocols typically
recommend:
● Collection of three separate stool samples on
non-consecutive days
● Fresh sample analysis within 30-60 minutes of collection
● Multiple preservation techniques (formalin and polyvinyl
alcohol)
Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) & Immunofluorescence Assays (IFA)
These techniques detect parasite-specific antigens or antibodies:
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