[Diagnosis of parasite infections. Significance of serological examinations].

The attractiveness of tropical and subtropical travel destinations for European tourists as well as the continuous influx of immigrants originating from such areas force the general practitioner to consider the possibility of parasitic infections. Besides the classic microscopic examination for ova and parasites, a serological examination for antibodies has its value especially in the case of an infection with tissue parasites, for an early diagnosis during prepetancy or as a screening test in case of a blood eosinophilia after known exposure risk. The current report highlights possible diagnostic strategies, referring especially to the significance of a serological examination.