MICROSPORIDIA: Diagnosis (cont.)

commercially available immunoassay reagent kits available. Examination of other body site specimens (sputum, joint fluids, eye specimens, etc.) is likely to be easier than looking at stool specimens; spores are not as likely to be confused with artifacts.

Histologic diagnosis can be accomplished using routine hematoxylin and eosin stains; however, modified tissue Gram stains, PAS, and silver stains are also recommended. Smear preparations (eye, etc.) can also be stained using Giemsa stain.