Comparison of PCR and antigen detection methods for diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica infection
- Department of Microbiology, Cecil Fleming House, University College London Hospital, Grafton Way, London WC1H, UK
- Correspondence to:
Dr S J Furrows
Department of Microbiology, Cecil Fleming House, University College London Hospital, Grafton Way, London WC1H, UK; sfurrowsaol.com
- Accepted 3 August 2004
Abstract
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.
- ELISA, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay
- LC, Lightcycler
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- SHELA, solution hybridisation enzyme linked immunoassay
