We know that patients with immune defects are particularly at risk for a number of parasitic infections, some of which may cause unusual symptoms in this patient population. It is important for the laboratorian and physician to understand these infections and to recognize the most appropriate diagnostic methods.

In other areas of microbiology, therapy is often begun on the basis of patient history and symptoms. This approach is generally not used in cases of parasitic infection. Thus, understanding the geographic range, life cycle, clinical disease, diagnostic methods, therapy, epidemiology and control become very important. Even more important are the use of appropriate diagnostic procedures, accompanied by a complete understanding of the limitations of each. If certain incomplete procedures are used, incomplete information may be provided to the physician, leading to incomplete or inappropriate patient care.

Information that will be presented throughout this web site will address