ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Comparison of PCR and antigen detection methods for diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica infection

S J Furrows, A H Moody and P L Chiodini

Department of Microbiology, Cecil Fleming House, University College London Hospital, Grafton Way, London WC1H, UK

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr S J Furrows
Department of Microbiology, Cecil Fleming House, University College London Hospital, Grafton Way, London WC1H, UK; sfurrows{at}aol.com

Aims: To assess different laboratory methods for the identification of Entamoeba histolytica in clinical samples.

Methods: Antigen detection enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, polymerase chain reaction solution hybridisation enzyme linked immunoassay (PCR-SHELA), and a commercial Lightcycler PCR were compared using 101 stool and pus samples.

Results: Fifteen of the 101 samples were positive for E histolytica by one or more method. There were discrepancies between the results in five of these 15 samples when the assays were compared.

Conclusions: All three methods performed adequately, so that the choice of assay will depend on each individual laboratory’s budget and projected turnaround time.

Abbreviations: ELISA, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; LC, Lightcycler; PCR, polymerase chain reaction; SHELA, solution hybridisation enzyme linked immunoassay

Keywords: amoebiasis; Entamoeba dispar; Entamoeba histolytica; antigen detection; polymerase chain reaction

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