Evaluation of multiplex PCR assay against microscopy in diagnosing Entamoeba histolytica in stool samples at Assiut Governorate Hospitals, Egypt | ||
| Parasitologists United Journal | ||
| Article 8, Volume 17, Issue 3, December 2024, Pages 205-210 PDF (451.56 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/puj.2024.306815.1259 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Youstina Basaly* ; Yasser Mohamed; Abeer Mahmoud; Nahed ELossily | ||
| Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Cysts of E. histolytica, E. dispar, E. moshkovskii, and others are not microscopically distinguishable. Since not all are pathogenic to human, unnecessary prescription of anti-amoebic therapy may lead to drug resistance. Objective: To evaluate usefulness of the molecular assays to differentiate between pathogenic and nonpathogenic Entamoeba species. Patients and Methods: Fecal samples were collected and examined from 187 patients suffering from diarrhea and/or dysentery, and attending the outpatient clinics of the Assiut Governorate Hospitals. Stool samples were examined by saline wet mount preparations, iodine, methylene blue and trichrome stains. Positive stool samples for Entamoeba cysts were preserved for multiplex PCR (mPCR) assay. Results: Among 187 samples, 24 (12.8%) were positive for Entamoeba complex by microscopic examination. Multiplex PCR detected E. histolytica, E. moshkovskii and E. dispar in 5 samples (2.7%), 2 samples (1.1%), and one sample (0.5%), respectively. Conclusion: Multiplex PCR is more suitable for differentiating between Entamoeba spp. for better treatment strategies and successful control. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Assiut; differentiation; Egypt; Entamoeba spp; microscopy; mPCR | ||
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