Systematic detection and association of Entamoeba species in stool samples from selected sites in India.
This study developed a fast and high throughput dot-blot technique to evaluate the presence of Entamoeba in stool samples (n = 643) followed by a PCR-based method to validate and differentiate the two species E. histolytica and E. dispar. The prevalence rate of the parasite has been detected in a cross-sectional study carried out in the population of the Eastern and Northern parts of India. Of the various demographic features, prevalence was highest in the monsoon season (P = 0·017), in the <15 years age group (P = 0·015). In HIV-positive individuals, the prevalence rate was significantly high (P = 0·008) in patients with a CD4 cell count <200 as well as in patients without antiretroviral therapy (ART) (P = 0·011). Our analysis further confirmed that risk factors such as toilet facilities, living conditions, hygienic practices, drinking water source, occupation and level of education are important predictors as they were found to contribute significantly in the prevalence of the parasite.
Department of Zoology,Gurucharan College,Silchar, Assam,India.
J
J
Nath
School of Life Sciences,Jawaharlal Nehru University,New Delhi,India.
N
N
Banyal
School of Life Sciences,Jawaharlal Nehru University,New Delhi,India.
D S
DS
Gautam
Department of Biotechnology,Assam University,Silchar, Assam,India.
S K
SK
Ghosh
Department of Zoology,Gurucharan College,Silchar, Assam,India.
B
B
Singha
School of Life Sciences,Jawaharlal Nehru University,New Delhi,India.
J
J
Paul
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004747:Entamoeba / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004749:Entamoebiasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization / Q000379:methods*; D010274:Parasitology / Q000379:methods*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult