Antigen Detection of Entamoeba Histolytica
Intestinal Infection: Cost-Associated Challenge in a
Resource Poor Country
Abayomi Fadeyi *, Charles Nwabuisi, Boaz Adegboro
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology,
Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine,
University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria.
*For Correspondence:
Email:
abayomifadeyi@yahoo.com
Received:
02-Mar-09 Revised:
17-Mar-09 Accepted:
21-Mar-09
International Journal of Health Research,
June
2009; 2(2):
171-175 (e229p67-71)
Original
Research Article
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. Ninety-four 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.
