Kristy King, MD
Parasites: testing that looks harder, treatment that fits what we find
Many people with real symptoms are told their stool test was normal. Standard testing often looks at one sample under a microscope, and many parasites shed only on some days or in small numbers. We test more thoroughly, privately, and then treat only what we actually find.
Why standard tests miss things
A single ova and parasite exam can miss organisms that shed intermittently. DNA-based stool testing (quantitative PCR) is more sensitive than the microscope for many protozoa, such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium and Entamoeba. For worms, the microscope still holds its own, and some worms that live in tissue, like Strongyloides, are best found with a blood test. So we combine methods.
Our Parasite Evaluation
- GI-MAP, a DNA-based stool test (qPCR) covering parasites, bacteria, yeast and gut health markers.
- Ova and parasite microscopy on three separate stool samples, to catch intermittent shedding and worms.
- Strongyloides blood antibody test, and other blood tests when your history points to them (for example Toxocara).
- Your review consultation with Dr. King to interpret results and build your plan.
Parasite Evaluation: $1,495, including all three tests and your review consultation. Prescriptions are filled at your pharmacy.
Kits ship to you anywhere in the United States. Telehealth consultations and prescriptions are available in the states where Dr. King is licensed: Hawaii, Washington, Colorado, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, Missouri, Louisiana, Nevada, Wisconsin and Montana.
How treatment works
We treat the organism we find, with the medicine that works for it, following CDC guidance. Common examples:
| Usual treatment | |
|---|---|
| Giardia | Tinidazole, metronidazole or nitazoxanide. |
| Cryptosporidium | Nitazoxanide. |
| Entamoeba histolytica | Metronidazole or tinidazole, followed by paromomycin. |
| Pinworm | Albendazole or mebendazole, repeated in two weeks, with household members treated. |
| Roundworm, hookworm and whipworm | Albendazole or mebendazole; ivermectin in some cases. |
| Strongyloides | Ivermectin. |
| Tapeworm | Praziquantel. |
| Blastocystis and Dientamoeba | Often harmless; treated only when symptoms fit and other causes are ruled out. |
Every prescription follows a review of your health history and medicines. Some antiparasitic medicines are not used in pregnancy, and longer courses may need blood count and liver monitoring.
Rat lungworm: a Hawaii warning
On Hawaii Island, rat lungworm is a serious parasite spread by slugs and snails on produce. If you have headache, unusual skin or nerve pain, tingling or stiff neck, seek medical care right away. Deworming medicine is not a self-treatment for rat lungworm. Wash all produce carefully and keep slugs away from water catchment.
Supporting your gut through treatment
Whole-food, plant-based eating with plenty of fiber, attention to the microbiome, and time. Some botanicals, such as berberine, have early evidence and can be discussed as support alongside proper treatment. Others, like wormwood, carry real risks at high doses. We do not use blind cleanses without testing.
Where parasites come from
Undercooked meat and fish, untreated water, soil contact with bare feet, pets, travel, and unwashed produce. Testing is most useful when you have ongoing gut symptoms, unexplained fatigue or skin changes, travel or water exposure, or a household member with a confirmed infection.
Your $125 is credited toward the Parasite Evaluation.