The Burden of Gastrointestinal Parasites and Advances in Ova and Parasite Diagnostic Screening

This webinar is the first of a three-part series on Advances in Gastrointestinal Protozoa Testing: Molecular Ova and Parasite Investigations that aims to highlight the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) protozoan infection, the significant health and economic burden, and the recent advances in rapid and accurate testing techniques.

Traditional screening methods for detecting ova and parasites (O&P) have many challenges including longer sample-to-result time and the potential for missed diagnosis. Delayed treatment presents considerable challenges for patients and health professionals alike, with some pathogenic protozoan infections lasting for long periods of time. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics can complement traditional methods, while reducing the time in detecting GI protozoa and coinfection.

The webinar features two leading experts in parasitology:

• David Bruckner, ScD
  Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
  Olive View-UCLA Medical Center
• Marc Couturier, PhD
  Medical Director, Microbial Immunology, Parasitology and Fecal Testing, and Infectious Disease Rapid Testing
  ARUP Laboratories

Attendees will learn about:

• Disease burden and current laboratory testing methodologies for GI protozoa in the US.
• The challenges faced by clinicians and pathology laboratories using traditional O&P detection methods.
• Workflow advantages of molecular ova and parasite investigation.
• Benefits of molecular testing to support laboratory workflow.