The ova and parasite test is used to determine whether you have a parasitic infection in your digestive tract. When you have a parasite infecting your gastrointestinal tract, which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, the parasite and ova (eggs) are shed from the lower digestive tract into the stool. Most people who are infected by parasites in their gastrointestinal tract have been infected by drinking water or eating food that has been contaminated with the ova.
The most common symptoms of parasitic infections in the lower gastrointestinal tract are prolonged diarrhea, blood or mucus in stool, nausea and abdominal pain. Serious health complications can be seen in people with weakened immune systems.