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. 1992 Jan;30(1):74–78. doi: 10.1128/jcm.30.1.74-78.1992

Differentiation of Giardia duodenalis from other Giardia spp. by using polymerase chain reaction and gene probes.

M H Mahbubani 1, A K Bej 1, M H Perlin 1, F W Schaefer 3rd 1, W Jakubowski 1, R M Atlas 1
PMCID: PMC264999  PMID: 1734070

Abstract

Giardia spp. are waterborne organisms that are the most commonly identified pathogenic intestinal protozoans in the United States. Current detection techniques for Giardia species in water include microscopy and immunofluorescence techniques. Species of the genus Giardia are classified on the basis of taxonomic criteria, such as cell morphology, and on host specificity. We have developed a polymerase chain reaction- and gene probe-based detection system specific for Giardia spp., which can discriminate between the relevant species of the G. duodenalis type pathogenic to humans and other Giardia species that are not human pathogens. This method can detect a single Giardia cyst and is therefore sensitive enough for environmental monitoring.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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