Advanced Techniques in Diagnostic Parasitology

Parasites are a significant source of morbidity and mortality worldwide, infecting humans in nearly all geographic regions. While parasite diagnostics have traditionally relied on conventional morphology- and serology-based methods, recent advances in digital image acquisition and analytics, molecular amplification and sequencing methods, and proteomics have revolutionized clinical parasitology. Parasitic infections for which advanced techniques are now routinely used include malaria, toxoplasmosis, babesiosis, leishmaniasis, trichomoniasis, and gastrointestinal infections. The availability of commercially available tests has facilitated adoption in the diagnostic laboratory. This chapter will discuss the technologies that hold significant promise for routine diagnostic use.