[Detection and differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar by polymerase chain reaction in a community in Zulia State, Venezuela].
Differential identification of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar is essential for both appropriate patient treatment and epidemiological purposes. To determine the prevalence of these amoeba infections in Santa Rosa de Agua (Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela), a PCR assay using specific primers for each species was standardized and applied. 204 stool samples were analyzed through direct microscopic examination with SSF (0.85%) and lugol, formol-ether concentration, and PCR. Under direct microscopy, 42 individuals (20.58%) presented the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex. Meanwhile PCR showed 47 positive cases for these amoebas: 22 E. histolytica (10.78%), 16 E. dispar (7.84%), and 9 (4.41%) mixed infections. There was no significant difference in the presence of E. histolytica and/or E. dispar according to either gender or age. There were no cases of these amoebas in children under 2 years of age. Observed frequency of E. histolytica (31/204) shows the endemic nature of amoeba infection in this community.
Rivero
Zulbey
Z
Escuela de Bioanálisis, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela. zulbeyrivero@cantv.net
Bracho
Angela
A
Calchi
Marinella
M
Díaz
Iris
I
Acurero
Ellen
E
Maldonado
Adriana
A
Chourio
Glenis
G
Arráiz
Nailet
N
Corzo
Gilbert
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016054:DNA, Protozoan / Q000145:classification* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004747:Entamoeba / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004748:Entamoeba histolytica / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004749:Entamoebiasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014687:Venezuela / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
D016054:DNA, Protozoan