Evaluation of Different Techniques in Laboratory Diagnosis of Intestinal Amoebiasis

Abstract

Entamoeba histolytica is an intestinal protozoan disease that causes amoebiasis, which is a health problem in several developing countries that can lead to 100000 deaths annually. This parasite is the third cause of death in tropical regions with poor sanitary conditions. An essential part of the treatment of patients is the detection of the pathogenic E. histolytica and its differentiation from non-pathogenic Entamoeba spp. Because microscopy and antigen detection techniques are inexpensive and readily available, these techniques are commonly used to diagnose amoebiasis. Rapid tests and different ELISAs for antigen detection are some of the more modern and sensitive methods, and some diagnostic methods are not able to distinguish different species of Entamoeba. Techniques for molecular detection are highly specific and sensitive. However, utilizing molecular methods as the usual diagnostic method becomes difficult due to their high cost in most endemic areas. For the diagnosis of intestinal amoebiasis, there is still a need for highly sensitive and specific tests that are quick and affordable to use, especially in developing countries where this disease is common.

Keywords: Evaluation, Techniques, Laboratory diagnosis, Intestinal amoebiasis