DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF GASTROINTESTINAL PROTOZOAL INFECTIONS

The intestinal protozoa are important causes of diarrhea in AIDS and n on-AIDS patients. The spore-forming protozoa cause more frequent and s evere disease in AIDS patients. Improved coprodiagnostic techniques ha ve led to enhanced understanding of the spectrum of disease caused by these organisms. These same techniques give clinicians important tests for clinical decision making. Diagnosis is important because specific treatment is usually available.