Comparative characteristics and clinical interpretation of current laboratory methods of diagnostics of parasitic infections

Effective laboratory diagnosis of parasitic infections plays a key role in clinical practice, providing objective verification of diagnosis, prescribing adequate therapy, monitoring the epidemiological situation and development of scientifically based preventive measures. In recent years, there has been an alarming tendency for clinicians dealing with parasitological problems to use diagnostic methods with unproven efficacy (bioresonance diagnostics, iridodiagnostics, diagnostics according to Dr Voll, collection of biomaterial «at full moon», «taking antiparasitic drugs for provocation», etc.). It is important to emphasise that the results of such tests are not subject to clinical interpretation, and cannot serve as a basis for prescribing treatment to the patient. Even when using officially approved diagnostic methods of investigation, a comprehensive interpretation of the results, taking into account the clinical picture and epidemiological anamnesis, is extremely important.
This article provides a comparative analysis of modern laboratory methods of parasitic diseases diagnostics based on Russian and international experience. Special attention is paid to the comparative evaluation of different diagnostic approaches by such key parameters as sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility and availability in clinical practice. The data obtained allow us to justify the clinically relevant choice of the optimal diagnostic algorithm, taking into account both individual patient characteristics (age, comorbidity, immune status) and the specific clinical and epidemiological situation. Such a differentiated approach provides a balance between diagnostic accuracy, practical feasibility and economic feasibility in real clinical practice.
In addition, the paper discusses promising technological developments aimed at the development of parasitological diagnostics, which can significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of detection of parasitic infections in the future.

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