Comparison of PCR and antigen detection methods for diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica infection.
OBJECTIVE
To assess different laboratory methods for the identification of Entamoeba histolytica in clinical samples.


METHODS
Antigen detection enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, polymerase chain reaction solution hybridisation enzyme linked immunoassay (PCR-SHELA), and a commercial Lightcycler PCR were compared using 101 stool and pus samples.


RESULTS
Fifteen of the 101 samples were positive for E histolytica by one or more method. There were discrepancies between the results in five of these 15 samples when the assays were compared.


CONCLUSIONS
All three methods performed adequately, so that the choice of assay will depend on each individual laboratory's budget and projected turnaround time.
Furrows
S J
SJ
Department of Microbiology, Cecil Fleming House, University College London Hospital, Grafton Way, London WC1H, UK. sfurrows@aol.com
Moody
A H
AH
Chiodini
P L
PL
D000818:Animals; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan / Q000032:analysis*; D016054:DNA, Protozoan / Q000032:analysis; D004748:Entamoeba histolytica / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004749:Entamoebiasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D006801:Humans; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*
D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D016054:DNA, Protozoan