Detection of Entamoeba histolytica using polymerase chain reaction in pus samples from amebic liver abscess.
OBJECTIVE
Direct demonstration of Entamoeba histolytica by conventional microscopy and in vitro culture in pus obtained from amebic liver abscess (ALA) is often unsuccessful. We evaluated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of E. histolytica DNA in such pus.


METHODS
Species-specific primers were used for the amplification of E. histolytica DNA from liver pus obtained from 30 patients with ALA. Patients with pyogenic liver abscess and sterile (autoclaved) pus spiked with Entamoeba dispar and bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. and Bacteroides spp.) were used as negative controls.


RESULTS
PCR was positive in 83% of pus specimens from patients with ALA, and was negative in all 25 pus specimens obtained from pyogenic abscess and autoclaved pus spiked with known bacteria. Sensitivity and specificity of PCR were 83% and 100%, respectively. The overall positivity of PCR was higher compared to serological tests.


CONCLUSIONS
PCR may be a more reliable and better alternative diagnostic modality for ALA.
Khan
Ujjawini
U
Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi , India.
Mirdha
B R
BR
Samantaray
J C
JC
Sharma
M P
MP
D000818:Animals; D016054:DNA, Protozoan / Q000032:analysis; D004748:Entamoeba histolytica / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008101:Liver Abscess, Amebic / Q000382:microbiology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013492:Suppuration / Q000382:microbiology*
D016054:DNA, Protozoan