Fecal immunoassays are commonly used to diagnose infections with which organisms?

Fecal immunoassays are specifically designed to detect antigens associated with certain pathogens in fecal samples. Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium spp. are two organisms that commonly cause gastrointestinal infections and can be effectively identified through these assays.

Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite that causes giardiasis, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and bloating. Fecal immunoassays can identify antigens produced by this organism, allowing for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. Similarly, Cryptosporidium spp. are a group of protozoan parasites responsible for cryptosporidiosis, which can also result in severe diarrhea. The detection of specific antigens from these pathogens in stool samples through immunoassays is a practical and efficient method, particularly in clinical settings.

The other organisms listed in the options either do not facilitate accurate detection through fecal immunoassays or are diagnosed through different methods. For instance, Endolimax nana and Blastocystis hominis are typically less pathogenic and may not be accurately identified using this testing method compared to how Giardia and Cryptosporidium are. In addition, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura,