The data presented in the paper indicate a probable lack of host specificity in Giardia and a number of species lower than that described to date. The common opinion is that three morphological groups should be recognized, represented by G. intestinalis (= G. duodenalis), G. muris and G. agilis. The diagnostics within these groups should be based on analysis of their isoenzymes or DNA fragments, and on antigene differences.
The report is a summing-up of some years' observations made during the growth of 9 Entamoeba histolytica, 2 Entamoeba coli, 5 Dientamoeba fragilis, 3 Chilomastix mesnili, 3 Trichomonas hominis and 2 Enteromonas hominis strains on 5 media (Dobell-Laidlaw, Boeck-Drbohlav, Tanabe-Chiba, liquid and biphasic Pavlova medium). The results obtained showed: 1. the best growth of Protozoa on Dobell-Laidlaw. and the worst one on Boeck-Drbohlav medium; 2. varying effect of penicillin on strains tested; 3. selectivity of media for individual protozooal strains, persisting for years; 4. great ease in the isolation of Dientamoeba fragilis and considerable difficulties with that of Entamoeba hartmanni, as well as luxuriant growth of monobacterial cultures of Entamoeba histolytica; 5. difficulties with ridding the cultures from the accompanying Blastocytis sp.: 6. slight effect of the latter on the protozoal growth; 7. great importance of the fluorescent device for the detection and determination of the protozoal cells grown; 8. appreciable morphologic changes in cells from old cultures.
The author presented general issues in detecting of parasite's coproantigens and carried out a critical review of abstracts submitted to the scientific session (17th Congress of the Polish Parasitological Society, September 1994, Gdynia, Poland). The abstracts are being published in a special edition of the "Methodical and Organisational Bulletin" (Institute of Marine and Tropical Medicine, Gdynia, Poland).