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Original article
Comparison of PCR and antigen detection methods for diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica infection
  1. S J Furrows,
  2. A H Moody,
  3. P L Chiodini
  1. Department of Microbiology, Cecil Fleming House, University College London Hospital, Grafton Way, London WC1H, UK
  1. Correspondence to:
    Dr S J Furrows
    Department of Microbiology, Cecil Fleming House, University College London Hospital, Grafton Way, London WC1H, UK; sfurrowsaol.com

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
  • amoebiasis
  • Entamoeba dispar
  • Entamoeba histolytica
  • antigen detection
  • polymerase chain reaction

https://doi.org/10.1136/jcp.2004.017822

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