Rapid giardiasis test FASTest®

for antigensfecesimmunochromatographic

FASTest® GIARDIA Strip is a rapid immunochromatographic test for the qualitative detection of Giardia duodenalis antigens in the feces of pocket pets, pets and farm animals. Giardia is known to be one of the most common enteric parasites in pocket pets, pets, farm and wild animals, as well as in humans (zoonosis) world-wide. The species Giardia duodenalis occurs in different animal species and humans in varying genotypes (A to G), which differ in their infectivity and their host spectrum. Types A and B have zoonotic potential, whereas the others are more or less host-specific. Newborns and young animals are mostly affected. Prevalences vary in cats and dogs, depending on age (> 70% under 1 year), husbandry (10% in single husbandry up to 100% in breedings and animal shelters) and immune status. Transmission (direct contact, by contaminated food, water, objects, grooming and vectors like flies etc.) happens fecal-orally by ingestion of highly infectious and very resistant cysts being discharged by other animals or humans. Only five to ten cysts are enough to cause an infection. Giardia duodenalis has an asexual life cycle. In the duodenum of the infected animals, two growth forms, so-called trophozoites, emerge from the incorporated cysts (excystment). These multiply by duplication and attach via suckers to the duodenal surface. Free trophozoites turn into their permanent forms, the cysts (encystment), especially in the ileum. These are excreted in large amounts (10e7/g feces) and mostly intermittent, i.e. not with every defecation. The prepatent period averages 5 to 16 days.