Comparison of the methods for the detection of entamoeba histolytica in diarrheal patients

Amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica is the third most common cause of death from parasitic infections worldwide. Direct and stained microscopic examination is widely used in the diagnosis of invasive amebiasis. But then, it is realised that there are nonpatogen Entamoeba species in a similar morphological structure with E. histolytica. Therefore stool spesific antigen detection based ELISA and PCR methods have been used to introduce. We aimed to study direct and stained microscopic examination, stool spesific antigen detection based ELISA and PCR test in patients' stool samples who applied with the clinical signs of amebiasis and compare the diagnostic values of the tests. A total of 546 stool samples were included in the study. %36,3 of stool samples were suspected the presence of E. histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii cysts and/or trophozoites by direct microscopic examination. These samples were stained with trichrome and 49 stool samples were suspected the presence of E. histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii cysts and/or trophozoites. These samples were tested for pathogenic strain by ELISA and PCR. None of these samples were positive by ELISA. Fortyfour samples were negatif by PCR. Invalid test results were obtained in five samples. As a result, a more specific method such as specific E. histolytica antigen detection test or PCR should be used in the diagnosis of amebiasis. Just be with microscopic examination results, it will lead to misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment.