Are microscopy and culture enough to diagnose Dientamoeba fragilis: A preliminary study | ||
| Parasitologists United Journal | ||
| Article 11, Volume 17, Issue 3, December 2024, Pages 222-226 PDF (388.71 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/puj.2024.316334.1267 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Maha Abou-Gamra; Rania Tawfik; John Nazeer* ; Sara Alkady | ||
| Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Detection of D. fragilis relies upon microscopic examination of permanently stained fixed stool smears, and/or culture. Although molecular diagnostic techniques, were developed for several pathogens, those for D. fragilis are not used routinely. Objective: To evaluate usefulness of nested PCR in diagnosis of D. fragilis. Patients and Methods: Fresh stool samples were collected from 100 children aged 6-12 y complaining of gastrointestinal disturbances. Samples were subjected to microscopic examination of iron hematoxylin stained smears, culture in Loeffler’s medium and nPCR. Results: The study detected D. fragilis molecularly in 4% of samples (4/100) and by microscopy and culture on Loeffler’s medium in 2% (2/100). Molecular assay showed 100% sensitivity and specificity compared to microscopy (50%, and 95%, respectively), and Loeffler’s culture medium (50%, and 100% respectively). Conclusion: Nested PCR offers superior accuracy over microscopy and culture for diagnosis. In cases where PCR is not accessible in a diagnostic laboratory, at least two alternative diagnostic methods should be employed. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| diagnosis; dientamoebiasis; intestinal protozoa; loeffler’s culture; molecular assay; trichomonad | ||
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