Abstract
Background
Stool microscopy, the commonly used test for diagnosis of intestinal amebiasis, is unreliable as it does not differentiate Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent for amebiasis, from non-pathogenic Entamoeba dispar and Entamoeba moshkovskii.
Methods
Two hundred and forty-six stool samples collected between January to February 2009, were examined microscopically for E. histolytica/E. dispar/E. moshkovskii complex cysts and trophozoites. Nested multiplex PCR targeting a 16 S-like rRNA gene for differential detection of all the three morphologically similar forms of E. histolytica, E. moshkovskii and E. dispar simultaneously was done on all microscopy positive stool samples.
Results
Forty-nine stool samples were positive for Entamoeba spp. by microscopy. Nested multiplex PCR for E. histolytica, E. moshkovskii and E. dispar was positive in only 19 of these samples, and only 6 of the 19 samples were positive for E. histolytica.
Conclusion
Stool microscopy grossly over-diagnosed intestinal amebiasis and is likely to result in unnecessary treatment with anti-protozoal drugs.
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Acknowledgement
We would like to thank (Dr. K S V K Subba Rao), Director, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry for providing the necessary support.
Conflict of interest
None declared.
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Parija, S.C., Garg, A., Pushpa, K. et al. Polymerase chain reaction confirmation of diagnosis of intestinal amebiasis in Puducherry. Indian J Gastroenterol 29, 140–142 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12664-010-0033-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12664-010-0033-0