Trophozoites were classified as (i) “highly infected but empty” (HIE), consisting of cell “ghosts” strongly stained by the anti GLV-CP_CT pAb, indicating virus iper-infection, but showing a faint or absent staining with the anti-14-3-3 pAb, indicating parasite voided of giardial protein content; or (ii) “highly infected” (HI), consisting of cells strongly stained both by the anti GLV-CP_CT and anti-14-3-3 pAbs; or (iii) “low infected” (LI), consisting of cells with faint or spotted GLV signals and strong staining by the anti-14-3-3 pAbs. Here, CP is linked to infection.