Final answer:
To diagnose protozoal or parasitic infections, a physician may order a stool O&P exam, use immunofluorescence antibody kits, or conduct NAAT among other diagnostic methods. MRI might be used for detecting abnormalities related to the infection. Metronidazole or tinidazole serve as initial treatments, with other antiparasitic medications potentially following.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a physician suspects a patient has a protozoal or parasitic infection, various types of specimens can be ordered for diagnosis. Common diagnostic methods include the stool ova and parasite (O&P) exam, which involves the direct examination of a stool sample for the presence of cysts and trophozoites, helping to distinguish common parasitic intestinal infections. Other tests such as ELISA, immunofluorescence antibody kits, and nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) are also employed, depending on the suspected parasite. In some cases, bodily fluids like urine or biopsy specimens from tissues can be analyzed. For certain infections, imaging techniques such as MRI might be utilized to detect the presence of abnormalities like liver abscesses.
Treatment generally commences with antiparasitic medications such as metronidazole or tinidazole as the first line of treatment, particularly for protozoan infections. For helminthic infections, other medications like praziquantel or niclosamide may be used. In some cases, follow-up medications might be necessary to ensure the complete elimination of the parasites.