Diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal protozoal infections

The intestinal protozoa are important causes of diarrhea in AIDS and non-AIDS patients. The spore-forming protozoa cause more frequent and severe disease in AIDS patients. Improved coprodiagnostic techniques have 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.