Antigen detection of entamoeba histolytica intestinal infection: cost-associated challenge in a resource poor country

Abstract

Purpose: Laboratory diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica infection is still being made through compound light microscopy in resource limited countries despite the associated flaws. This study is aimed at applying and determining the usefulness of ELISA antigen detection technique for E. histolytica intestinal infection diagnosis in a resource poor nation. Methods: A total of 150 subjects with acute and persistent diarrhoea had their stool specimens examined by compound light microscopy for E. histolytica/dispar and other intestinal parasites. Ninetyfour of them (62.67%) had their stool specimens examined with ELISA antigen detection for E. histolytica Results: Two (1.33%) of the subjects were positive for E. histolytica/ dispar on microscopy but none was positive for E. histolytica by ELISA antigen detection. Subjects positive by microscopy were identified as E. dispar (1.33%) carriers. Conclusion: ELISA antigen detection technique is a preferred method of detection of parasites even in resource poor settings to avoid confusing results. At present, the best use of E. histolytica II kit in resource poor nations should be limited to screening of E. histolytic/dispar microscopically positive stool samples for E. histolytica infection. Keywords: Amoebasis; Antigen detection; ELISA; Entamoeba histolytica; Laboratory diagnosis; Nigeria.