Comparison of four rapid diagnostic tests, ELISA, microscopy and PCR for the detection of Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium spp. and Entamoeba histolytica in feces.

•We examine four rapid diagnostic tests for Giardia, Cryptosporidium and Entamoeba.•Sensitivities are good for Cryptosporidium and E. histolytica, variable for Giardia.•Specificities are excellent for G. lamblia and Cryptosporidium.•Differentiation between E. histolytica/dispar by PCR remains necessary.•When microscopic expertise is poor, this can be a valuable tool to replace microscopy.